The Student Room Group

Interview Tips for Teaching Courses

Well, thought this would come in helpful for all the 2006 applicants.
I have adopted this idea from the TES forum and decided to post my reply here as well.

This is my interview/application history for 2005:

I applied to (I was a late applicant in January 2005)
Kingston University: BA Primary Ed with Art&Drama - unsuccessful (was full already)
St.Marys Twickenham: BA Primary Education - withdrawn (they took a while until they decided to offer me an alternative place due to late application)
Middlesex: BA Primary Ed - unconditional offer
Greenwich: BA Primary Ed - unconditional offer
Roehampton: BA Primary Key Stage 1&2 with D&T - conditional offer
Goldsmiths: BA Education, Culture and Society - unconditional offer



Middlesex, BA Primary Education (no specialism available)
April 2005

We all assembled in a room, BA and PCGE applicants. Had our qualifications checked, then they split the group (undergrads and grads) and told us about the course and the foreseen changes on the course.

On to another room where one group had a math test, the other one the English test. Then we switched. The English test was a response to a text we were given beforehand, which was also discussed later on in the day. The Math section was easy enough, you could bring a calculator and they provided some as well. Just be sure you actually READ the questions (they make a point of saying that as well before you start the test). I think we had 20-30 min for each test.

We were then split into small groups of 7-8 people and walked over to another building with our interviewer. Nice enough lady.
There was no individual interview, so this group interview was very vital! It was split into three parts as far as I can recall.
Task 1: Discuss with your neighbour what you think makes a good teachers, etc. We were meant to really engage in this. Then we discussed the results in the group. The interviewer picked a person to start etc.

Task 2: Think about something you want to teach and how you want to teach it. We were given a pen and a transparency and had to work on this for about 20 min. Then we had to present it in front of the group.

Task 3: Discuss (in the group), the text you read for your english test.... We were left alone in this and the discussion went very well for over 15 min.

It is important that you show enthusiasm and smile.

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University of Greenwich, BA Primary Education with D&T
April 2005

The university sent an extract from the N.C. in the mail which we were meant to read carefully and they also asked us to prepare a very short presentation.

We were asked to come to the student office where our qualifications were checked. Then we all went to a lecture hall and took an English test (essay on your teaching experience or something...).
Someone talked about the course and we were given the chance to choose our specialism.

Then we were divided into groups of 5 people and left for the group interview.
We didn't have much time, as the tutor also had to interview all 5 of is individuallly, so he started with the presentations straight away. From 5 people only 3 really prepared one (I was a lucky one who did), but we all managed somehow. We also discussed the presentations briefly.
After everyone was done, he interviewed us seperately. My individual interview was very pleasant. I just talked about my previous experience, why I want to continue the course in the UK and not in Germany and he then asked me what I think about foreign language learning in Primary School (my presentation topic) and why I think equal opportunities are important.
That was it.

The next part of the day was a campus tour and accommodation tour.
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Roehampton University, BA Primary Education with D&T
May 2005 on the phone

OK, so this is a bit unusual, but I thought I'd include it anyway.
I was interviewed on the phone after I submitted my English test to them. I had to take the test, which was really just correcting a child's work, under supervision at a local school.

The D&T tutor called me and asked me a few general questions, about my experience, about D&T and I also had quite a few questions for him.

Asking questinons and responding to questions in an elaborate way shows you are interested.

Anyway, that was that, the interview was fairly short, he just wanted to make sure my English is good and I know enough about the N.C.

He offered me a place right then and there.

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Goldsmiths College, University of London, BA Education, Culture and Society
NON TEACHING
May 2005

This is a bit unusual, too, as it was a phone interview as well. We just had a nice chat and he asked me a lot of questions about education, my views, etc.

I decided to go for this course in the end for several reasons.....

Scroll to see replies

Reply 1
Thanks for providing that info!
Reply 2
I forgot to mention that most people tend to be nervous about those interviews. That's certainly normal, but you need to be able to prove to them that you are not too shy to stand in front of everyone to say what you have to say.
Prepare ahead, read about educational issues (education guardian and tes) and make sure you know about the national curriculum, forms of testing, etc.

If you have a specialism in mind, read the NC for that subject.

In the end, it comes down to your personality and your commitment. It is always important to have experience. Most A-level students I met during my interviews had volunteered a fair deal. The mature students have been TAs and/or volunteered as well.

It is also important to have an opinion on the educational issues, so they see you are actually interested in education.
Does anyone have any information about PE teaching interviews?
Reply 4
Hey thankoo for all tht info on ure interviews!
ive got a few interviews comin up for primary education im quite worried about them lol! :s-smilie: ..but tht info u have given will help me :biggrin:! x
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hey 'yourjoyismylow' i have a few interviews comin up do u have any ideas wot i sud wear lol?
am finkin of wearing black trousers, a shirt and smart jacket, but dont know if i will look to smart!?...or sud i just wear jeans and a casual top?
wb <3
Reply 5
hey hannah :smile: no shrtnd speak during your interviews though :P
I just wore something casual. I am pretty ...erm....different as I am into fashion design and love crazy clothes, but I wore reasonably calm stuff for my interviews.
Jeans would be fine, or just black trousers and a shirt. Make sure you feel like yourself in the clothes and comfy. You don't wanna spend your interview day wondering about your clothes!
Be natural, be yourself
great tips..thank you
Reply 7
useful to me too, thanks.
Everyone who is concerned on what to wear...I had a teaching interview today and just went in my jeans and a jumper. A few people went in suits :eek: and they looked out of place and uncomfortable. The people who looked most confident were those in 'normal' clothes.
Reply 9
I think when it comes to teaching interviews the best route is to go in smart trousers/skirt and shirt/plain top. I went for an interview at Worcester university for the PGCE and everyone was dressed smart. I believe its better to be over dressed and look like you have made the effort then under dressed (just incase everyone else dresses smart).

The day at Worcester University for Secondary PE teaching ran like so.....
Task 1 - Practical (Dance)
I was really nervous about this part of the day as i only dance when im drunk haha. They weren't looking for the best dancers, they were observing how you and your partner interacted, if you could get your point across and also if you were willing to just give it a go. Confidence when showing other groups your dance was a major factor (most people say they're confident on their applications but unless you can prove ti don't write it as they will find you out right away).

Task 2 - Practical (games)
This part of the day we were teamed up with a partner, given 15mins to devise a lesson and then had to teach the lesson to 8 peers and infront of the university staff. The best thing to do here is not to do all the lesson planning yourself as the university staffs didn't really take note of who was doing all the work during the 15mins planning. When it came to the actual lesson you have to ensure you move for the audience (so they have a clear view of what you're teaching/demonstrating, health and safety is thought about (jewellery off, shoe laces tied and no chewing gum) and that everyone can hear you. The university staffs were looking to see how you could put over your lesson plan. My tip is to make sure you get noticed and not just let your partner do all the talking if all else fails make sure you give feedback and encouragement.

Task 3 - Interview
I was pretty nervous about the interview. I was interviewd by two members of staff and it wasn't as nervey as i thought. Aslong as you're confident in what you say and enthusiastic about what you want to teach - i believe you should have no problem. They asked questions like - so why do you want to teach? what do you believe you can bring to the children by teaching them? what are the areas of the national curriculum? what roles do teachers play? and as a person what qualities do you possess?

Main tips
Basically if you say you're enthusiastic, look it! Get yourself noticed at the beginning of the day for being the person that likes to get involved, don't be put off by people coming out of the interview rooms saying Oh My God that was so hard, the majority of that is mind games so that you get nervous and ****** up your chance of getting on the course (that person may even steal the place). Just be yourself!

Hope this helps guys, sorry about the essay! :biggrin:
Reply 10
I've had interviews at: (for primary education)
-mmu
-sheffield hallam
-chester
-liverpool jmu
if anyone wants to know anything about any of them interviews let me know and i'll tell you.
lappin
I think when it comes to teaching interviews the best route is to go in smart trousers/skirt and shirt/plain top. I went for an interview at Worcester university for the PGCE and everyone was dressed smart. I believe its better to be over dressed and look like you have made the effort then under dressed (just incase everyone else dresses smart).


Was that interview for PE?

I went to my PE interview in my everyday wear...I'm not exactly going to be wearing a suit when I'm on a playing field am I!? A few people turned up wearing smart suits, even ties, but those who wore normal clothes looked more comfortable.

I got a place and so did a girl I met there who was also casually dressed, so it didn't put them off!

But that's for PE remember, if you're going to teach something else, it'll probably be best to look smart! :p:
Reply 12
lil_lee
Was that interview for PE?

I went to my PE interview in my everyday wear...I'm not exactly going to be wearing a suit when I'm on a playing field am I!? A few people turned up wearing smart suits, even ties, but those who wore normal clothes looked more comfortable.

I got a place and so did a girl I met there who was also casually dressed, so it didn't put them off!

But that's for PE remember, if you're going to teach something else, it'll probably be best to look smart! :p:


where have you had your interviews at/applied to/got offers/rejections from?
xx
Reply 13
Yes Lee, the interview was for PE teaching. It was requested that we wore smart wear. I dont think we've applied for the same type of course. I am guessing yours is a degree as you're too young for a PGCE?
Yes, mine was for the 4 year course. I'm glad we didn't get asked to wear smart clothes as I have none! I live in jeans :p:

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Hannahk16
where have you had your interviews at/applied to/got offers/rejections from?
xx


I've applied to Loughborough - Sports Science (haven't heard from them yet), Brunel - Secondary Physical Education QTS (rejected the interview as I don't want to go there!) & Sports and Physical Education (got an offer of 280 points), Brighton - Secondary Physical Education QTS (need to arrange an interview) and DeMontfort/Bedford - Secondary Physical Education QTS (the one I had my interview for; 260 points) and Sports and PE (offer of 200 points)
Reply 15
haha very quick reply lee, good luck with the loughborough application!!
Thank you!

I don't think I'll go though, I'll prefer to do the 4 year course as there's more classroom experience, but I loved the campus, and it would be nice if they accepted me but I could turn them down! :p:
Reply 17
Hey just after a little advice,

Just in the process of applying for my pgce through the GTTR website. Ive yet to gain any class room experience, and I was wondering whether its better to push through my application now (i know ive already missed the deadline for def. consideration), and get some class room experience in the next few months, or try get the class room experience as quickly as poss. so i can include it on my personal statement before finalising my application?

Any advice would be great.
Hannahk16
I've had interviews at: (for primary education)
-mmu
-sheffield hallam
-chester
-liverpool jmu
if anyone wants to know anything about any of them interviews let me know and i'll tell you.



What did they want you to do at the MMU and chester interveiws?
Hannahk16
I've had interviews at: (for primary education)
-mmu
-sheffield hallam
-chester
-liverpool jmu
if anyone wants to know anything about any of them interviews let me know and i'll tell you.



What did they want you to do at the MMU and chester interveiws?

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