BEd Secondary PE

We look forward to welcoming you to Plymouth Marjon University for your interview day and hope that you will gain much from the experience. The day is important for both you and for us, as it is important that we see if you are suitable for the course you have applied for, but equally that you find out if this is the place where you want to study. 

During the day you will have the opportunity to:

• look around the University
• find out more about the course and meet tutors and other trainees
• meet school leaders or teachers from our partnership schools who are also involved in the interview process

There are a number of different components to the day which will provide us with a full picture of your ability and skills. We want you to present yourself in the best light on the day and we aim to make you feel comfortable and welcome. Please read the information provided in the letter and on the website carefully so you come well-prepared for the different parts of the day. As this is a professional course, please come suitably dressed for interview. 

The Interview

The interview provides you with an opportunity to demonstrate your potential for training and the role of a teacher.  You will require a pen, in order to undertake some basic literacy and numeracy activities and appropriate sports kit (see below) for your practical assessment.  All applicants will be interviewed by staff who work within the Secondary Teacher Education Partnership.  Questions will explore your communication skills, subject knowledge, awareness of teaching and learning and commitment to equal opportunities. 

Assessments

1. The practical session will involve candidates taking part in a range of teaching activities in the sports hall. You will plan and lead an activity which you will be given on the day, usually with a partner.
2. Subject knowledge assessments – during the practical session you will be involved in aesthetic, athletic and game activities which will enable you to demonstrate your range of skills and understanding.

For these practical activities and subject knowledge assessments, you will need the appropriate sports kit. Please bring PE kit to change into, which comprises white sports shirt, white/black shorts or skirt, socks and trainers.

These practical assessments are very important so it is essential that you are able to perform to the best of your ability.  We will not interview you if you have an injury which prevents you from undertaking these practical activities.  However, please inform us early if this is the case so that we can arrange an alternative interview date.

Literacy and Numeracy Audit

There will be a short session where literacy and numeracy audits will be completed as all teachers are expected to be competent in fundamental English and Maths. The literacy task will require you to write a short piece about the importance of Physical Education within the curriculum.

Criteria for Assessment

You will be selected based on the following criteria:

1. Knowledge, skills, academic background and prior experience
2. Qualities, attitudes, ethics and values
3. Aptitude for teaching
4. Ability to communicate effectively

These criteria will be applied through all aspects of the day including the written activity, practical activity, leadership activity, formal interview and how your present yourself on the day.

In addition judgments will be made on your health and physical capacity to teach as set out in the Education (Health Standards) (England) Regulations 2003 and the Fit to Teach assessment. 

Preparation for Interview

In order to prepare for the interview, all applicants for BEd Secondary Physical Education are asked to:

1. Prepare for the activities stated above
2. Access /read the National Curriculum for Physical Education available here  
3. Complete the Subject Knowledge audit
4. Complete the Education audit

The documents listed above should be scanned and emailed to interviews@marjon.ac.uk at least 7 days before your interview date. We look forward to meeting you!

Interview Structure