Educational Issues for PGCE interview

Hello all

I hope somebody can point me in the right direction, I have a pgce interview at Derby next week, and would love a couple of key pointers about what the current educational issues are (that I should be able to discuss confidently... YIKES). I have been warned by my tutor not to expect to get a place as I am so inexperienced, and am afraid my lack of knowledge will really let me down (he wasnt trying to be horrid, but its totally thrown me, and now am dreaming about the interview!!). The run up to Christmas has not been a pleasant one, with a huge work schedule and ongoing family stuff I havent been able to spend the time I should have on preparing myself. I am getting my head around what I think are the usual questions are, such as why do you want to teach etc, and working on the maths english and science tests, but would very much appreciate your help on any hints or tips you guys may have at all.

Archie x

Reply 1

Endymion

9

1) White paper and the reforms proposed. Realistic? A piece of pointless rhetoric - back bench revolts etc... More autonomy to schools; parent involvement; the introduction of trust school status; classroom discipline. However, problems might include selection by ability; via the back door etc. This paper is available online if you want to look, but I suggest taking a look at the BBC summary of the paper here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/4371182.stm
2) Inclusion - Good to bring some thoughts of your own; i.e. what you've observed vis-à-vis this and what teachers have told you on the issue.
3) This is for primary only - the numeracy and literacy hours. Sorry I can’t say anymore as I’m not applying for primary.

These are the big ones at the moment. Might be an idea to read the National Curriculum in your subject and form some opinions on it. Also, you might find these websites helpful:

http://education.guardian.co.uk/
http://www.tes.co.uk
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/default.stm

Try the practice questions on this website: http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/interviews/ivteaching.htm

Don't go in with a negative attitude that you're not going to succeed. Go in prepared, well revised and well presented. You're not a teacher and the interview panel don't expect you to know everything there is to know about teaching. What they do want you to demonstrate is an interest, a commitment and general enthusiasm towards the profession. They want to see that you are serious and you can show this by spending some time in schools, talking to teachers and generally reading around the subject.

Good luck.

Reply 2

Endymion

9

1) White paper and the reforms proposed. Realistic? A piece of pointless rhetoric - back bench revolts etc... More autonomy to schools; parent involvement; the introduction of trust school status; classroom discipline. However, problems might include selection by ability; via the back door etc. This paper is available online if you want to look, but I suggest taking a look at the BBC summary of the paper here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/4371182.stm
2) Inclusion - Good to bring some thoughts of your own; i.e. what you've observed vis-à-vis this and what teachers have told you on the issue.
3) This is for primary only - the numeracy and literacy hours. Sorry I can’t say anymore as I’m not applying for primary.

These are the big ones at the moment. Might be an idea to read the National Curriculum in your subject and form some opinions on it. Also, you might find these websites helpful:

http://education.guardian.co.uk/
http://www.tes.co.uk
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/default.stm

Try the practice questions on this website: http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/interviews/ivteaching.htm

Don't go in with a negative attitude that you're not going to succeed. Go in prepared, well revised and well presented. You're not a teacher and the interview panel don't expect you to know everything there is to know about teaching. What they do want you to demonstrate is an interest, a commitment and general enthusiasm towards the profession. They want to see that you are serious and you can show this by spending some time in schools, talking to teachers and generally reading around the subject.

Good luck.

Reply 3

archie

OP

Thank you ever so much for the information, tis much appreciated! :biggrin:

Reply 4

Hannahk16

1

ive had a few interviews for primary education the main ones i can think of are:
1) inclusion - should children which special needs be put into mainstream schools
2) introducing modern forigen languages into primary schools - should they?
3) numeracy and literacy strategies etc
hmm thts all i can remember at the mo will let if know if i think of more...
XD xxx =)

Reply 5

Peacey

7

The white paper and its potential impact is really important at the moment

Governments failure to adopt the Tomlinson recommendations and future influence the report might have.

"Student Voice" in schools

Impact of "Every Child Matters"

Reply 6

Hannahk16

1

Peacey

The white paper and its potential impact is really important at the moment

Governments failure to adopt the Tomlinson recommendations and future influence the report might have.

"Student Voice" in schools

Impact of "Every Child Matters"

thanks for tht educational issue as well btw i havent heard of tht one before, will have to look it up as have an interview in 2 weeks :biggrin:

xx

Educational Issues for PGCE interview

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