We look forward to welcoming you to your interview via Microsoft Teams. The interview is important for both you and for us as it is important that we see if you are suitable for the programme you have applied for, but equally that you find out if Plymouth Marjon University is the place you would like to study.
During your interview day you will have the opportunity to:
There are a number of different components to the interview process which will provide us with a full picture of your ability and skills. We want you to present yourself in the best light and we aim to make you feel comfortable and welcome. Please read the information provided in the email and on the website carefully so you come well prepared. As this is a professional programme, please present yourself appropriately for interview.
We will be making judgments on your capability to meet the Teachers’ Standards over the course of the 1 year PGCE programme. In addition, we have the responsibility to ensure that you have the health and physical capacity to train to teach as set out in the Education (Health Standards) (England) Regulations 2003 and the online health assessment.
If you are successful you will be required to obtain the Disclosure and Barring Service record (DBS).
Your interview process will ensure that you have the intellectual and academic capabilities to train to teach.
Recommended preparation for interview
It is not essential that candidates have school experience when they apply for a PGCE Primary Education programme, however we would recommend that candidates obtain some observation experience to ensure that teaching is the right career path for them.
You should research the National Curriculum in your subject area and/or age group. You should also be aware of changes to policy and current issues in education.
You will need to complete an Education Audit and email this to interviews@marjon.ac.uk at least 7 days before your interview date. This audit will be used during your individual interview.
The Interview Structure
Presentation
The presentation is designed to assess your ability to read, understand and provide a response to an article. You will be expected to critically reflect on the discussions presented within the article and present this at the start of your interview. We are expecting you to show that you have read and understood the article and share your viewpoints with us. Presentations could be created in the following formats: PowerPoint, Prezi, Google slides, a Word document or other suitable media. The presentation should last no longer than 5 minutes.
The article can be found here.
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 programme. We will focus on the following areas:
Timings for interview days (Friday)
9.15am – 9.45am Introduction to the PGCE programme via TEAMs
10.00am – 12.45pm Individual interviews with PGCE tutors (max 4 per tutor) via TEAMs
1.00pm – 1.30pm Virtual campus tour
