Primary Education with QTS Interview - English & Maths Test

KEGates1990

Hi,

I have been offered interviews with both Winchester uni and Portsmouth for the BEd (Hons) Primary Education with QTS course.
I noticed that a test in Maths and English is part of the interview process. I'm a mature student and my Maths skills really aren't great. I was wondering what the tests might entail and what kind of revision / practice might be useful for me to look at.

I'm incredibly nervous!

Thanks 😊

Reply 1

Get into Teaching

Official Rep

Original post by KEGates1990

Hi,
I have been offered interviews with both Winchester uni and Portsmouth for the BEd (Hons) Primary Education with QTS course.
I noticed that a test in Maths and English is part of the interview process. I'm a mature student and my Maths skills really aren't great. I was wondering what the tests might entail and what kind of revision / practice might be useful for me to look at.
I'm incredibly nervous!
Thanks 😊

Hi @KEGates1990,
Well done for securing an interview. As far as the tests go, they are designed so that the provider can see if your standard of maths and english is acceptable and if they need to provide extra support for you. If you want to do some revision, I would suggest you look at some primary SATs revision guides as these will give you a good idea of the level expected at the end of Key Stage 2. Don't worry too much about them. I retrained as a teacher as a mature student and found that the methods used for calculation have changed since I was a pupil so I needed to relearn how to perform some basic maths calculations. Be open with the provider about your areas that need development. There will be lots of mature students in the same position as you and providers will be aware of this.
Good luck!
Tracy

Reply 2

KEGates1990

Original post by Get into Teaching

Thank you Tracy. It's been about 16 years since I left Secondary School so alot has changed! I'll do some more revision and fingers crossed things will go well. Are there any sites you can recommend at all?

Reply 3

University of Winchester

Official Rep

Original post by KEGates1990

Hi,
I have been offered interviews with both Winchester uni and Portsmouth for the BEd (Hons) Primary Education with QTS course.
I noticed that a test in Maths and English is part of the interview process. I'm a mature student and my Maths skills really aren't great. I was wondering what the tests might entail and what kind of revision / practice might be useful for me to look at.
I'm incredibly nervous!
Thanks 😊

Hi @KEGates1990,

Congratulations on the interview with us, we’re looking forward to seeing you! 🥳

There is some information on what the tests entail as part the application info pack - it's called an Audit of Mathematical Knowledge and below are a few of the areas we look at during your interview:

- Ability to use data and graphs to interpret information, identify patterns and trends and draw appropriate conclusions
- Ability to interpret pupil data and understand statistics and graphs in the news, academic reports and relevant papers - Ability to complete mathematical calculations fluently with whole numbers, fractions, decimals and percentages
- Ability to solve mathematical problems using a variety of methods and approaches including estimating and rounding, sense-checking answers, breaking down problems into simpler steps and explaining and justifying answers using appropriate language

Packs go out slightly closer to the time but while you’re waiting, there are lots of online resources for brushing up on Maths Skills! Try researching maths skills for primary learners and maths skills for Primary Teachers - Teaching mathematics in primary schools - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Hope this helps! 🙂👋
Jo
University of Winchester Rep

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