I have been meaning to write about the interview stage for a little while now but I want to be as informative and encouraging as possible so I have waited until I could remember most of what happened so I can speak more in depth about it.
So you can apply for three PGCE programmes meaning that if you pass to the interview phase of all three, you will have three interviews. Thankfully, I did get all three interviews I applied for and I was offered a place on all three programmes. These consisted of one university based provider and two schools direct. Once UCAS opened for PGCE applications, I had already sorted out my personal statement (I did this over summer) which was really helpful so I only had to fill out the application and get my two references. I applied pretty quick because I wanted to get straight in there. Some times, not always but some times, if providers get a significant number of applications through they might close their applications for a couple of weeks so they can get through the ones they already have. Don't get me wrong, they will probably reopen but I wanted to make sure I was one of the first to be interviewed so I felt less pressure knowing they had plenty of room left on the programme. I think schools direct could be a little more competitive than university providers because they do accept less students, just to let you know where you are at if you are thinking of taking this route.
If you know you want to apply for PGCE but applications aren't open yet, I strongly recommend getting your personal statement done and out of the way so you aren't in a panic when they do open. I also got a Teacher Training Adviser who looked over my personal statement for me and offered me interview preparation support. If you would like a little bit more reassurance before your interviews, I recommend clicking on the link above and applying for an adviser, it is a completely free service provided by people who have experience in the field of education. I was assigned to a lovely man who was really encouraging. We communicated via email and over the phone. You also have to ask two people for references, they are mostly looking for people who know you professionally; this can't be a family member. I asked my university tutor of two years and a member of staff at the hospice I volunteered for.
For my interview at the university, I was told a week before my interview that I had it and exactly what I would be expected to do. For all of my interviews, I wasn't given any surprises on the day, I knew exactly what was expected of me. They aren't there to trip you up, they want you to succeed. For both my schools direct interviews I was told quite a bit in advance, if I remember correctly it was about a month before and then two weeks after I found out, I was told what I would be doing on the day. I am going to do separate blogs about my experience of each interview day.
I found it was helpful going over a few possible interview questions that other people had been asked in the past. Even though these aren't the exact questions you will be asked, it can be handy knowing how you will go about each question. For example, I knew that when I was asked a question I would answer it first based on my knowledge of that topic and then I would link it to my experience and how I have used that knowledge myself. I think this is a great way to answer questions because it shows you understand how you might be able to tackle certain issues yourself rather just having knowledge but being unable to use it practically; being a teacher is all about practicalities.
Here are the main questions I remember being asked:
Why do you want to teach?
What do you understand about safeguarding? (I think you will most probably always get asked about safeguarding)
What would you do if a child wanted to disclose something to you?
Talk about your experience.
Can you think of any good lessons you have observed? What was good about it?
How would you encourage equality in the class?
How would you 'deal' with challenging behaviour?
What do you think you could bring to teaching?
How do you handle pressure?
I had interviews in two SEN schools and was asked what I think are the differences and similarities between mainstream and SEN.
What is something you are proud of?
When have you been given feedback and how have you used it?
I hope this has been helpful. Keep an eye out for my next blogs about the specifics of each interview day I had!
I am also adding a picture of a box of chocolates and a card my parents sent me for passing because it is really cute.
Take care and be sunny!
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