This page contains all of the information you require prior to your interview. However, if there are any questions you may have that are not answered on this page please email educationinterviews@plymouth.ac.uk or call +44 1752 585858.
Programme of the day
Interview pre-work
FAQs
Course information
12.45 - arrival and registration, to include the checking of your documents
13.00 - subject talk
13.30 - writing task, literacy and numeracy tasks
14.15 - individual five minute teaching tasks
15.15 - individual interviews
16.30 - approximate finish time
For details on arrival location please see your invite to interview letter and/or email.
In preparation, we would like you to complete the following tasks to demonstrate your potential to undertake an Initial Teacher Training course.
Interview research task
We expect applicants to have a broad overview of
the role of a teacher in the Further Education and Skills sector and be able to
articulate this at interview. In
preparation for this, you should complete the PGCE/Cert Ed Candidate interview research guidance sheet. You will
be expected to show and articulate your experience of the sector, your
understanding of the role of a teacher of your subject specialism, and your
ability to research government policies and initiatives relevant to the sector.
Download the interview research guidance sheet to complete.
Micro-teach task
Prepare a five minute subject specialist micro-teach to present to staff (maximum of two) and other applicants (maximum of six). This should take the form of a talk with any materials you think are appropriate.
You should select an aspect of your subject specialism which you might expect to teach in the classroom to meet a specific outcome. You will have five minutes for this and so need to choose your topic carefully. The aim is to get the other participants fully involved and interacting in the session. There will be no resources available, this includes IT facilities, so you should bring any resources you wish to use.
What do the writing task, literacy and numeracy test assess?
The literacy and numeracy tests will ascertain your current level of skill in these areas. The writing task helps us to assess your ability to write without time for preparation.
How soon will I hear after interview?
We aim to let you know within two weeks of the interview
What happens after my interview?
If successful at your initial interview with the PGCE team, you will be contacted to arrange a placement interview at a local college. In preparation for this, you should research the programmes on offer at the college and identify those which you have the necessary subject specialist knowledge to teach. This will help you to demonstrate your potential to undertake an initial teacher training placement at the college.
Accommodation
If you are offered a place on the course you may need accommodation whilst in Plymouth. The University does have halls and other forms of accommodation for postgraduate students. However, you may prefer to arrange your accommodation in shared housing with other PGCE students.
The benefits of this are:
What are the costs for placements?
Should students incur travel costs in order to arrive and depart placement at the appropriate times AND if the travel costs exceed their normal commute to campus from term-time address, then the University provides funds early on in the placement. Additionally, if the commute to placement is deemed in excess of that which would be considered practical, then students are provided with accommodation in one of the University’s catered host families. The University pays the host family directly for the accommodation and breakfast/dinner costs. Students are then invoiced a minimal rate for the food element of this only.Can I organise my own teaching placement?
No, we organise your placements in our partner colleges and other teaching organisations. If you have specific needs and/or caring responsibilities, you are advised to discuss these with the placements team and your professional tutor at the start of the course and they will be taken into consideration.
Funding and finance
Currently PGCE students are entitled to apply for a student loan/grant in the same way as you would for a first degree to cover student fees and living costs while on the course. Further information regarding our tuition fees and bursaries, including contact details for our Student Funding Unit, is available via www.plymouth.ac.uk/money. Information about how to apply for government help with paying your fees is available via www.gov.uk/studentfinance.
Congratulations on being invited to interview for our PGCE/Cert Ed (Incorporating the Diploma in Education and Training) programme. On this page we have provided information regarding the format of the day and tasks we would like you to complete in advance. It is vital that you are prepared and are able to talk about these tasks when you meet us.
The interview is designed to ensure that:
I look forward to meeting you at your interview and if you should need any help or assistance please do contact us.
Best wishes,