PGCE Primary

PGCE Primary Interviews

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 you want to study.

During the day you will have the opportunity to

  • look round the University
  • find out more about the course and meet tutors
  • meet headteachers or teachers from our partnership schools who are also involved in the interview process

We want you to present yourself in the best light on the day so there are a number of different components to 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. 

Recommended preparation for interview
For PGCE Primary, you must have already gained 15 days experience before you apply, this should include a minimum of 5 days in a mainstream primary classroom (within the last two years). 

This can be just as an observer looking at different teaching methods, how the class is divided into groups, how literacy and numeracy is delivered, how behaviour is managed etc.  If you are invited to interview, you will be required to ask the setting/school to complete a form verifying this. This will be sent to you and must be completed and returned before interview.

Entrants for Initial Teacher Education programmes need to be aware of Government regulations regarding mandatory skills tests in numeracy and literacy. These will be taken immediately after application and prior to any offer being made. The cut-off date for achieving these is 30th June. 

Applicants should register at the following link as soon as you have applied for an ITT programme, http://www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/apply-for-teacher-training/skills-tests .

You should research the National Curriculum in your subject area and/or age group, https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/national-curriculum

You should also be aware of changes to policy and current issues in education.

The interview process comprises two key elements:

  • An individual interview lasting 20–30 minutes with a University tutor or Partnership school headteacher/teacher;
  • A group task where you will be expected to show your ability to share your enthusiasm for teaching and learning. 

 Literacy Assessment

  1. During the day you will be given a task to assess your ability to read, understand and provide a response to a written article.  You will be expected to critically discuss the arguments presented within the article (click on the title to access), ‘Grammar School figures by Daniel Boffey’ (The Guardian, 15th October 2016).
  2. ‘In tray’ activity – ordering and organising teacher related activities. 

Group Task
In preparation for your group interview we would like you to share something about which you are passionate or in which you have a particular skill. 

The activity will be in a group of 5 candidates and you will have a maximum of 10 minutes to complete your task. 

To be successful in this task: 

  • You need to teach the other members of the group something about this interest
  • You should expect and encourage the other members of the group to interact with you
  • The other members of the group should have learned something by the end of your task 

In addition we will be assessing: 

  • Your interaction with others when you are sharing your interest
  • Your ability to interact with others when others are sharing their interest
  • Your engagement with others
  • Your empathy with others
  • Your clear communication with others using Standard English 

This task will take place in a teaching room: 

  • You will not have access to ICT
  • You need to provide all the resources for your 10 minutes 

Please bear in mind that 10 minutes is not long - keep it simple! 

We look forward to learning about a broad range of interests and skills. Please remember that the subject matter is entirely your choice. It is how you go about it that interests us.   

Individual Interview 
You will be asked a number of questions which are designed to ascertain if you are a suitable candidate for teaching and for this PGCE course. The following areas will be focused upon: 

  • Professional Skills and Attributes
    • High expectations and commitment to realising pupil potential;
    • Professional behaviour;
    • The ability to reflect on your own practice and identify areas for future development.
  • Subject Knowledge and Pedagogy  
    • Subject knowledge per se – the essential knowledge and understanding needed to teach the subject effectively;
    • Pedagogy – an understanding of the teaching skills and strategies needed to teach all pupils effectively;
  • Pupils’ Development
    • How learning is linked to pupils’ development and their social, religious, ethnic, cultural and linguistic backgrounds and contexts
    • How to promote positive attitudes to pupils’ learning.

Structure of the interview day 
Please click here for the structure of the interview day.