Programme of the day
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 programme.
Task one
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.
Task two
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.
AccommodationIf you are offered a place on the programme, 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:- you all have similar workloads
- you may be able to share transport to college or school placements
- you are able to talk about your experiences and share knowledge.
Any questions you have regarding accommodation should be directed to our accommodation office. Further information and contact details are available via
www.plymouth.ac.uk/accommodation.
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 may be provided with an allowance for accommodation. The exact figures will be made available during the induction week.
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 financeCurrently 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.
