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PGCE Primary interviews

PGCE Primary Interviews

We look forward to welcoming you to your interview at Plymouth Marjon University. The interview is an important part of the application process — it allows us to assess your suitability for the programme you have applied for, and it also gives you the opportunity to decide whether Marjon is the right place for you to study.

During your interview, you will have the opportunity to:

  • Have a tour of the university
  • Find out more about the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (QTS)
  • Complete a series of interview tasks designed to explore your knowledge, skills, and motivation for teaching

Interview Tasks

1. Formal Interview (15 - 20 minutes per interviewee)


This will include questions on:

  • The professional role of the teacher and the key qualities required
  • Your understanding of teaching and learning in primary education
  • Safer recruitment questions Testing your understanding of teacher responsibilities in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Please dress professionally for the interview, as this is a formal occasion.

2. Children’s Book Task (10 minutes per interviewee)


For this task, please choose a children’s picture book. You will be asked to present and share with the group and interview panel:

  • Why you chose this particular book
  • Your thoughts on the story, illustrations, and ideas conveyed
  • The age or year group the book would be suitable for, and why you think children would enjoy it

Before attending the interview, you should have chosen your book and planned a short learning activity linked to it. This preparation must be completed in advance.

At the interview, you will be asked to present and teach this planned activity to the group and interview panel. The activity should be creative, engaging, and should teach the group a clear concept or skill.

You should prepare and bring any required resources (for example, paper, pens, scissors etc).

Use of IT is not expected; however, if you wish to use it, please bring your own laptop with all content available offline. Our display connections are HDMI and VGA (we do not have facilities to connect Apple Macs).

3. Group Task (10 minutes)


You will take part in a short, collaborative discussion / hands-on activity in a small group. Together, you will explore the professional values of a teacher. Further information will be provided at the interview. The interview panel will observe the discussion.

4. Reflective Writing Task (20 minutes per interviewee)


You will complete a short-written reflection on your learning activity from the Children’s Book Task. This will give you the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of reflective writing, as well as your written communication, punctuation, and grammar skills.

Recommended Preparation

 

To prepare for your interview, we recommend that you:

  • Stay informed about current issues and policy developments in education

Further information about becoming a teacher can be found here. (https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/)

While it is not essential to have classroom experience when applying for a Primary Education programme, we strongly recommend gaining some school observation experience before the course starts. This will help you to confirm that teaching is the right career path for you.

We look forward to meeting you and hearing about your interest in primary education.



Plymouth Marjon University

Interview Day Schedule

Time

Activity

8.45am–9.15am

Candidates arrive and register at reception

9.15am–9.45am

Welcome Talk and refreshments

9.45am–12.15pm

Group Task and Individual Interviews

12.15pm–1.00pm

Reflective writing task

1.00pm–1.30pm

Optional campus tour by Student Ambassadors

1.30pm

Candidates depart