This page contains 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
12.00 - arrival and registration
13.00 - subject talk
13.30 - group discussion task
14.00 - interview task
14.30 - paired interview with a member of the PGCE team (approx 30 minutes)
16.00 - approximate finish time depending on number of interviews taking place on the day
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:
We would like you to write briefly about the relevance of your degree studies to teaching in order that we can consider ways in which your previous experience might make you a suitable candidate for the programme. In doing this you might consider what you gained from your higher education experience which will be of use to you as a teacher of young children.
The account need not be very long but it should indicate all of the ways in which you think your particular educational background has prepared you for this role. You will need to make connections with the relevant curriculum but you should not feel that you need to restrict yourself to that.
Please visit the Guardian website and read the article ‘New test for ‘growth mindset’ the theory that anyone who tries can succeed.’
As part of the interview procedure there will be a short discussion for you to take part in along with other candidates. You should bring along a copy of this article to the interview. You should have read the article prior to the interview and be ready to contribute to the discussion about it. Please note that there is no one thing we are looking for in relation to the piece; rather we are interested to see how you have understood it, what opinions you have about the issues involved and how you relate it to your own experience in school, as well as how you interact with other potential students.
How soon will I hear after interview?
We aim to let you know within two weeks of the interview.
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.
What are the costs for college or school placements?
Most costs incurred for transport and living costs in respect of placements can be claimed back. Students will be expected to contribute towards utility bills and food if placed with a family.
Can I organise my own teaching placement?
No, we organise your placements in our partner schools and colleges. 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 one of our PGCE Primary programmes. 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 process is also an opportunity for you to get to know us, so there will be plenty of time for questions and discussion.
We look forward to meeting you at your interview and if you should need any help or assistance please do contact us.
Best wishes,