Nottingham Trent University

Nottingham

PGCE Secondary Interview at Nottingham Trent

Hey everyone,

So I applied for the PGCE Secondary course at Nottingham Trent (specialising in maths) and they sent me back an email today inviting me to come to interview next thursday (six days time!)

Has anyone here done an interview with them before or are going to one soon? What was it like?

Six days really doesn't seem like enough time to prepare properly. I'm specifically concerned about an unaided presentation we have to do - it says it can be on any "current educational topic of your choice. This may be something that you have recently read about or something you have a particular interest in."

But this seems very vague and I'm not sure what it is actually asking. Do they mean something in general current educational news? Or something particularly to do with maths teaching?

So far all I can think of is to have a look through the TES for something to talk about.

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Reply 1

Imelda

Hi or just found this thread. I was interviewed for a secondary course at NTU as well (18/12/12). Unfortunately though I haven't had a response through yet. When I phoned the uni on the 20th they didn't seem hopeful that the results would be placed before Xmas. It's a bit frustrating as there are others all over this forum pipping up to say they have 'just' found out they have a place!

How did your interview go in the end?

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Reply 2

Hedgehog648

Well I thought it went rather badly but apparently not because I found out yesterday that they'd given me an offer :P

It's conditional on me passing the ITT literacy and numeracy tests though, I forgot to get them sorted before my applications went off so sorting that out now :smile:

Was yours for maths as well?

Reply 3

Imelda

Original post by Hedgehog648

Was yours for maths as well?

No it was for D&T/ textiles specialist. How'd you find out yesterday? I've checked track so many times....

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Reply 4

Hedgehog648

Original post by Imelda

No it was for D&T/ textiles specialist. How'd you find out yesterday? I've checked track so many times....

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My track updated on Saturday.

Dunno why yours hasn't yet.

Reply 5

Imelda

Original post by Hedgehog648

My track updated on Saturday.

Dunno why yours hasn't yet.

It's ok they updated yesterday. It was a yes!

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Reply 6

emlha

Original post by Imelda

It's ok they updated yesterday. It was a yes!

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I think we were at the same interview, mine was on the same day for the same subject. I had my offer yesterday; so happy and relieved!

Reply 7

Imelda

Excellent. Which lady were you? I was the tall one, with the chess set.
(best description of myself I can muster...)

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Reply 8

emlha

Ah yes I think I was sat on the other side of the room from you; I was in a blue dress, sat next to one of the interviewers.

Well done on your offer! I wonder who else got in...

It felt like we had to wait for an eternity to hear from them, it made me even more nervous. Worst couple of weeks ever.

Reply 9

Imelda

Original post by emlha

Did you bring the print portfolio? Lots of pretty A1 size fabrics if I remember correctly.

I agree about the wait it's been excruciating and long! and I was convinced it would be a no. I'm pretty sure one of the interviewers mentioned there is a social website type of thing for successful candidates so maybe we will find out soon.

I cannot WAIT for September!

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Reply 10

Hedgehog648

Well done both of you :smile:

Reply 11

emlha

Thank you Hedgehog648, good luck for September! Have you had any further info yet from them yet?

Imelda: Yes, that was me with the embarrassingly large folder.

Ohh that'll be useful! Most places give you an assignment to do in June/July so some kind of social site/ forum would be a good way of helping each other with that.

Just want to get stuck into it all now!

Reply 12

Hedgehog648

No not yet emlha, I probably won't until I've fulfilled the condition on my offer I expect.

Reply 13

Amiske

Original post by emlha

Are you specialising in Textiles? Any tips for the interview? So scared!

Reply 14

Imelda

Original post by Amiske

Are you specialising in Textiles? Any tips for the interview? So scared!

Don't be scared! Easy to say I know but as emlha said the interviewers were friendly and genuinely interested in what we had to say. Be confident. Bonne chance! 😊

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Reply 15

jemma9013

Hi everyone,

I have just had a letter through for an interview on the 13th Feb for the D&T PGCE Course. Id also like to specialise in Textiles. I would be so grateful if any of you could offer me some tips please? I absolutely dread interviews. Also do you have to do the Numeracy Skills Test before your interview?
Well done to everyone getting on the course!

Reply 16

Imelda

Original post by jemma9013

Hello!

Well done on getting an interview, the following bits should help. 😊

Examples of work: take the pieces that display your abilities the best. Particularly ones that show design skills as well as technical expertise.

Research current educational issues and the importance of D&T in education.

And don't panic! The interviewers were friendly and genuinely interested in what we had to say. Expect to be there for three hours (ish) and to be working in groups for all of it except the written test. It was challenging but not ridiculously so and as long as you show subject expertise, a passion for teaching and the subject you'll be fine.

Good luck! 😊

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Reply 17

jemma9013

Original post by Imelda

Hello!

Well done on getting an interview, the following bits should help. ��

Examples of work: take the pieces that display your abilities the best. Particularly ones that show design skills as well as technical expertise.

Research current educational issues and the importance of D&T in education.

And don't panic! The interviewers were friendly and genuinely interested in what we had to say. Expect to be there for three hours (ish) and to be working in groups for all of it except the written test. It was challenging but not ridiculously so and as long as you show subject expertise, a passion for teaching and the subject you'll be fine.

Good luck! ��

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Thank you for all of the information.
I'll prepare myself for a long day there.
What is the written test about?
I studied fashion studies at university, could i take a collection piece do you think which shows good technical skills and design ideas?
Also do I need to take an example of a lesson plan or anything?

Thanks again for the advise, really appreciate it.

Reply 18

Imelda

Original post by jemma9013

A collection price would be great, and I would recommend you take something which shows textiles techniques.They want to see design outcomes and your technical ability. You need to judge what shows your skills the best and it can't hurt to take more than two pieces just in case you get the chance to show more! It is hard to take 1 or 2 pieces from a life's work but I think it's probably another test.

The written test was 1 side of A4, and basically you write for twenty minutes in response to a question provided by the interviewers. I'm not sure they are too interested in what you write, just how you write it (correct grammar, punctuation, flowing prose etc).

And yes you will need an outline lesson plan. Did they send you an interview pack? Everything you need to know is in there, plus it includes a campus map which is helpful!

:0)

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