Applying for a PGCE : Interview tips

Preparing for your interview

Thorough preparation will help you to feel more at ease and confident on the day. You can pick up tips from other students who have attended PGCE selection interviews by looking at the forum for prospective student teachers on the Times Educational Supplement (TES)  website. You can also check your responses to the kinds of questions you can expect by doing the Teacher Development Agency (TDA) interactive interview .

Your university careers service should also be able to help you with your interview technique.

You should expect questions about:

• why you want to become a teacher;
• what you have learned from your recent experience in schools;
• your degree and how it is relevant;
• your own school education;
• the contribution you could make outside your subject area.

Be ready to give specific examples from your work experience. Talk about what you have learned about planning lessons, organising the classroom, assessing learning and adapting to the needs of different students. Don’t be afraid to state your views, practical solutions or novel ideas.

Modern languages applicants may be interviewed in the language they propose to teach and be asked questions about their time abroad.

Do your research

It is important that you know about the national curriculum for your subject and age range (see National Curriculum Online ).

You should also practise for the tests. Use resources such as:

• key stage 3 or GCSE revision books;
• BBC Bitesize ;
• practice material for the QTS Skills Tests  you must pass to achieve qualified teacher status.

Find out about hot topics in education. These could come up in the group discussion, written exercise or in your individual interview. Resources to help with researching current issues include:

• the Times Educational Supplement (TES)  (Fridays);
• The Guardian on Tuesdays;
• The Independent  on Thursdays;
• BBC News: Education & Family ;
• the national news on TV.

On the day

It is important to wear a smart outfit. Candidates for PE and drama courses should check whether there are any selection activities requiring other clothing or sportswear.

Plan your route to the interview location and make sure you have any documents you are told to bring with you on the day.

What if I don’t get offered a place?

• Ask the admissions tutor for feedback on your interview and your written application.
• If you know by mid-March that you have been unsuccessful, you can apply for more courses through GTTR Extra . After 30 June you can apply through a clearing system to any provider with places still available.
• Consider gaining some more experience, perhaps by working as a teaching assistant.