PGCE Applications and Interviews

jo132000

Hello to all,

I am applying to do a PGCE Primary this year, starting in 2009. Anyone else also applying or have done it recently, any hints and tips for the application process?


What sort of things do they ask at the interview, do you have to take all your certificates with you, do they mention previous qualifcations at all?

Thanks
Jo
x

tootiefrooties

Hiya

from what I've heard from previous applicants (I'm applying this year too), you have to demonstrate why you have chosen that particular age group. It's something a lot of people don't think is too important, but if you can prove that you have given it a go with different ages (through work experience or whatever) then they know you are making an informed decision.

The interview is something else altogether - individual presentations, group tasks, one to one questions. Will be intense but probably kind of fun.

Good luck with your application!

mindthegap_2

Hi

I'm also applying for the PGCE and the GTP to start Sept 09. I haven't applied for the PGCE before, but I did apply (unsuccessfully) for a GTP place earlier this year. I imagine interview questions will be similar - what do you think you can bring to teaching, what makes a good teacher, what makes a good team player, what makes a good leader, why this age group - what you would expect. Some questions will depend on your age and work experience, both in and out of school - I'm a mature student, so I expect to get questions about my work experience before I worked in school. You may have to take tests in literacy, numeracy and science. I'd recommend brushing up if you are older like me - it's 16 years since I took my O levels, and it was a bit of a shock to the system when I came up against some of the more advanced maths questions, LOL. You may also have to interact with a group of children - reading them a story for instance, and I also had to produce a 10 minute presentation on numeracy starters for a year 2 group. The feedback I got from my attempt earlier this year was to remain focussed on any time limits, and stick to answering the question. (my interview technique was a little bit rusty!*!)

Good luck, let us know how you get on......:rolleyes:

sweetserendipity

The TES website has a forum with lots of advice for applicants - worth a look if you haven't already.

charlotteu

I applied this year to Manchester - unsuccessful as I hadn't had any experience in 'challenging' schools, only highly rated/independent/faith schools.

It seems to very much depend on the university; Manchester has four specific questions but others vary - the TES website has a few threads specifically with replies from applicants from different unis - http://www.tes.co.uk

waggys

When I applied for my PGCE several years ago, we had to undergo a numeracy and literacy test, perform a 5 minute presentation to others in our interview group and then have paired interviews (a number of people chose to do orrigami and this was not looked upon favourably neither was using crib sheets). In the paired interviews we were asked what was the most recent book you had read and what did you think of it.