Devon SCITT

Hi there, I just had my interview for the Devon SCITT (and the Exeter PGCE) and thought I'd post my experiences in case it helps anyone. Unfortunately I wasn't successful at either, so it's another year of waiting for me before I can apply again.

The Exeter course carried an English semi-specialism, and the whole interview process was geared around that. The main activity was criticising a poem (something I hadn't done since I was at High School! A little warning might have been nice!). That was difficult as we did it in groups, and once one person had made a point, you felt stupid making it again. So if you didn't speak up fast, you pretty much lost out.

The interview at Exeter went like this; "Why didn't you do a straight English degree?" That was it. That's all I was asked. I did a BA (Hons) Childhood Studies degree at Brum Uni, but obviously the 1/3 English component wasn't enough. Be WARNED! :mad:

The Devon SCITT process was much better. We had to prepare a story to read to a group of 6 year 1/2 kids, and then a follow up activity. I chose one that linked in with the KS1 History curriculum (chronology of events, to be specific), and it seemed to go well. The kids were very receptive, but I think I underestimated their ability and knowledge a little. After that we had to make a presentation to the course leader, 3 headteachers and the other 4 interviewees. This was centred round a time capsule, and what we would put in it to represent our beliefs, etc. That went really well. We then had to write a summary of our story activity, to reflect on what went well, etc. We also had an English/Maths test, which was hard but we were allowed calculators!

Finally, the SCITT interview was in front of the 3 heads and the programme leader. It was vey much a conversation, and the questions all led on from what I said in answer to the first. However, while I can't recall the specifics, I do recall talking about why I want to teach and what I perceive the job to be.

I am going to ring the course leader on Tuesday for feedback, so if I hear anything constructive, I'll post a reply here. I hope this is of some use to someone. If anyone wants to drop me a line to discuss it more, please feel free! It would be nice to meet other would-be teachers in the Devon area! :smile:

Reply 1

The Boosh

17

Jaybee - sorry to hear about your exeter interview! I was boasting about exeter's rep in another post 2 mins ago. When i went for my pgce interview i was told by staff that they get looooooooads of applicants and for every one place they interview 11 people - i have no idea how many people dont even make it to the interview stage - you beat many getting that far. Madness eh?

Devon is really competitive because there are too many teacher training colleges and universities. If I wanted to teach I would do a SCITT in hindsight.

With your degree perhaps you should try and apply for early years - its focused very much around childhood studies, and once you finish the course your are qualified to teach from reception to Yr6 anyway.... Also, try applying to plymouth - much easier to get in.

Hope you are not too cheesed off - its not you, the course is very hard to get on sometimes.

Reply 2

ArchiBoi

12

If they'd have asked me how why I didn't do an Art or Design Tech degree in my interview and did architecture, they'd better be ready for hell :tsr2:

I think these people who should be there to promote free thinking, are doing a bad job. Surely education should allow people from a range of disciplines, to provide a greater range of interesting and creative people, bouncing off each other, specialising in different areas. to produce a more rich and inspiration system over all... thats the answer id of given em.

Reply 3

JayBee

OP

I have started a new weblog devoted solely to people on, or applying for, the Devon Primary SCITT course.

The address is http://scitt.blogspot.com/

Please visit, join, and get posting! :smile:

Reply 4

danovey

hey thanks for the heads up jaybee ..... i'm just starting my application for the devon primary scitt now ..... i'm currently in a school volunteering and have plenty of experience working with children, albeit in a slightly different environment than a school (outdoor pursuits mainly rock-climbing and surfing).

just wondering if you could shed anymore light on the timeline of your application, my deadline is Dec 1st, but when did you start hearing back from them and how did you go about your personal statement online .... the school i'm in atm has given me some advice but im still dreading it ..... all the best

Dan

Reply 5

JordanJayne

Hi i was just wondering, i am applying this year for devon primary scitt, in the interview process do they give you any indication about the lesson task or is it entirely up to you what you do it about? i hope you are applying again this year!

Reply 6

-Jo-

Original post by JordanJayne

Hi i was just wondering, i am applying this year for devon primary scitt, in the interview process do they give you any indication about the lesson task or is it entirely up to you what you do it about? i hope you are applying again this year!

I am applying for Devon Primary Scitt too - although that is my second choice :-)

Reply 7

Eli29

Hi there

Thank you for sharing, it helps. I have a BA and I am thinkining to go into teaching secondary school design and technology. I m not English though, do I need any qualifications to prove I can speak English and know maths or doesn't really matter.
I am interested in SCIINT as is probably easier than a PGCE in uni.

Devon SCITT

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