PGCE Secondary Education
Subjects: Art and Design, Biology, Chemistry, English, English with Drama, Geography, Maths, MFL, Physics
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. Our PGCE Secondary Interview Days are held in person and online.
If you attend an in-person interview day you will have the opportunity to:
- Have a tour of the university campus
- Find out more about the PGCE course
- Complete a series of interview tasks designed to explore your knowledge, skills, and motivation for teaching
- Meet current Students and learn about student life at Marjon
If you attend a virtual interview, you will have the opportunity:
- Find out more about the PGCE course and meet the academic team
- Complete a series of interview tasks designed to explore your knowledge, skills, and motivation for teaching
Interview tasks
Formal Interview (15 - 20 minutes per interviewee)
This will include questions on:
- The role of a teacher and the key qualities needed to be effective
- Your understanding of teaching and learning in secondary education
- Safeguarding and child welfare responsibilities, including safer recruitment questions
- Communication skills and ability to build positive relationships
- Subject knowledge and enthusiasm for your specialist area
- Awareness of effective teaching and learning practices
- Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all learners
Presentation Task (10 minutes per interviewee)
As part of your interview, you will be asked to give a 10-minute presentation on an area of interest linked to your subject.
This is an opportunity to share something you are knowledgeable and enthusiastic about. You may choose a topic from within your subject that you find particularly interesting, important or engaging. Your presentation does not need to be based on a specific lesson or age group, although you may make links to the school curriculum where appropriate.
You are welcome to use PowerPoint, visual resources, objects or props, but this is not essential. We are most interested in hearing you communicate your ideas clearly and seeing your enthusiasm for your subject.
Your presentation should:
- focus on a clearly defined area of subject-related interest;
- demonstrate your subject knowledge and enthusiasm;
- explain why you find the topic interesting or significant;
- be clear, well organised and suitable for a 10-minute presentation;
If using PowerPoint, please send to interviews@marjon.ac.uk 48 hours in advance of your interview. For virtual interviews, you will be able to share your screen through Microsoft Teams.
Subject Knowledge Self-Assessment (To be completed prior to interview)
Please find your relevant subject self-assessment form and complete it prior to interview. Please scan/photograph and send to interviews@marjon.ac.uk
Art and Design Self-Assessment
English with Drama Self-Assessment
Modern Languages Self-Assessment
Scenario Writing Task (20 minutes per interviewee)
You will complete a short scenario-based activity designed to explore how you approach the varied responsibilities of a trainee teacher. You will be given a realistic school-based situation and asked to consider how you would prioritise tasks, respond appropriately and explain the reasoning behind your decisions. Full instructions will be provided on the day.
Recommended preparation
To prepare for your interview, we recommend that you:
- Research the National Curriculum (Key Stages 3, 4 and 5)
- Familiarise yourself with Keeping Children Safe in Education
- Get to Know the Teachers Standards
- Stay informed about current issues and policy developments in education
- Know the professional role of the teacher https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/
What to bring with you (in person)
- Photo ID
- Any resources (physical or digital) you may need for your presentation
What to have ready (virtual)
- Photo ID
- Any resources (physical or digital) you may need for your activity
- A suitable device with a microphone and a webcam
- A stable internet connection
- A quiet place where you will be undisturbed
Schedule for the day (in person)
Please note timings can vary depending on how many candidates are in attendance.
08:30 - 09:00 arrive at The Welcome Desk and register with our Student Ambassadors
09:00 - 09:45 Welcome Talk and refreshments
09:45 - 11:30 Candidate presentations
11:30 - 12:00 Student Ambassador Led Campus Tour
12:00 - 15:00 Individual interviews/written task
15:00 - End of the Interview Day
Lesson Plan Template