Pgce social science interview

Hi,
I have an interview for a PGCE in social science next week at Leicester University
Wondering if anyone else has ever had a subject based PGCE, or even a social science PGCE interview and what should I expect?
I know theres a group task, a written test and an interview.

Thanks!

Reply 1

Mands22

Hey! I would love to know how your interview went and what kind of things you were asked? I am looking into doing a Social Science PGCE but there are such limited courses for this!

Reply 2

SJWOOLFORD

Hi!
I got a place at leicester!
The interview day was super relaxed & all the tutors were lovely..
The day consisted of a few things
1) checking of the documents whilst everyone was arriving and sitting about talking to each other
2) a presentation about the course, what today was about & your interview times
3) group task - involved being in a group of 5 discussing teachers qualities and listing them as preferred, desired and not necessary & then presenting this back to the other groups
4) one-to-one interview
questions were things like:
why do you want to teach?
how would you sell your subject to year 11's to take it on as alevel
what is currently affecting teachers and what will effect you as a teacher? meaning policies and implementations atm
it was really chilled though, i felt more relaxed in the interview than presenting back in the group task tbh!

Reply 3

SJWOOLFORD

ohhh also a written task whilst waiting for the interview..
social science was about a curriculm you may have and how it would fit well with you and what challenges would arise. Then another question on media portrayl of social science subjects.
It wasnt timed or observed it was just 1 page for each question, do it wherever & hand it in!

Reply 4

Mands22

Hey! Congratulations on securing your place!
Thanks for the run down on the interview.. Seems like they were really nice and relaxed and the tasks didn't seem too daunting!
Did you apply anywhere else? Which social science subject are you looking to specialise in?

Reply 5

SJWOOLFORD

Thanks! I was delighted, I was suppose to apply November time but time ran away with me so I applied end of Jan. I thought id be too late to get a place to be honest.

I applied for Leicester, UCL (London) & Manchester Met.
Leicester was my first choice & was the first I heard back from in regards to having an interview, so when I was offered my place I accepted and cancelled the other 2.
I did get offered interviews to both the others, but knew id never move down to london (I'm from Leeds) & I preferred Leicester to manchester met because of the reputation Leicester as.

I'm currently doing my undergrad in Sociology so thats what I'm looking to specialise in.
With this PGCE I may be expected to teach Sociology Pyschology and Health & Social throughout my training

(edited 8 years ago)

Reply 6

Mands22

Well done!! To be honest I thought the same, but they still all seem to have vacancies open.. Glad to see you've got your first choice.
I'm from London, so the closest University to me would be UCL.. but the competition is so tough and my A Levels are pretty rubbish, although I'm on my way to a first in my degree (which is also in Sociology!) so maybe this will show that I've overcome my barriers I faced at A Levels..
I would preferably like to teach RE as my second humanities subject, but not sure how this will work with the courses.. if you get to choose or you just get "given" another subject.. Did rubbish in my Psych A Level which would most likely hinder me if I was expected to teach it!

Reply 7

SJWOOLFORD

They didn't even ask about my A-Levels, but obviously they see them in the application stage. I got B in sociology, C in English Language C in I.C.T and B in business studies..so mine barely even relate to social sciences? Also I've never even taken psychology and they accepted me? So I dunno how it works!
I think R.E has its only PGCE courses so I can't see that being a second lesson to teach but I'm not sure?
I think all they want is plenty of experience with young people, a good degree and good communcation skills.
Are you applying this year or next?
Also have you got/getting experience?
😀

Reply 8

Mands22

Yeah they see them in the application, that's true. I guess I'm just a bit of worrier!
Yes that's true, I just thought RE would be the most feasible subject as I have done a few Philosophy modules in my degree compared any other Humanities subjects.. But I'm not really sure, you're probably more aware than I am!
I completely agree, the degree, your charisma for working with children and being passionate about your subject is the most important, and just proving that to them is the most important part :smile:

I have a lot of Primary school experience as this was the original age phase I was interested in, however I am highly highly considering changing my mind in terms of my age phase. So I'm a bit conflicted. Would like a place in September ideally, but really want to be sure about what age phase I'm doing, so don't want to rush into anything! So I'm going back to my old secondary school to observe and shadow my old teachers... Will base my decision on this I guess!

Reply 9

SJWOOLFORD

Ahhhh yes this was like me I'd always thought high school age, but then did some work in a pupil support unit for youger kids & it made me doubt myself, but then the more & more I work with the older age I know I've made the right choice...well I hope so!
Tbf, I love sociology too much to not want to teach it...haha!

Reply 10

dilara62

Hello,

can someone please help me as I am very confused.
I am wanting to apply for social sciences pgce next september but i am bit confused on when the deadline is as some say December.
Also, can anyone advise me on is it worth it as I cannot afford it an there seems to not be any funding for the course and i am worried about not being able to find a job.
I am also struggling with experience, I have emailed few institutions but they have not got back to me.
will be muchly appreciated if anyone can help. Thank you

Reply 11

amal08

Hi Dilara,

I too am in the same position as you. i'm struggling to find experience. Contacted countless schools and was told we don't do work experience anymore or that i would be put on the waiting list. I did one day so far which I managed to book on the Get into teaching website. Try booking your placement with them. It's for one day at a particular school but could potentially be more if you speak to the school about it. Hope this helps. To be honest, I too am worried about lack of funding and whether I'll find a job after doing the course. I do plan on going abroad to teach as soon as I complete my PGCE, granted I get a place.There are a lot of teaching job opportunities abroad and with great pay and benefits.