Declaration forms
Ahead of your interview, please ensure that you have completed and returned the three Declaration forms found below. Failure to do so may result in delays in the processing of your application.
Supporting documents
Additionally, we would prefer to receive copies of your certificates and transcripts for the qualifications listed as completed on your application ahead of your interview. These can be submitted as clear photographs or scanned documents in JPEG or PDF format by emailing
applications@plymouth.ac.uk.
Please note: If you have been successful in your application, we will ask you to submit your original documents when you start your course.
In preparation for your interview, we would like you to complete the following tasks:
Task one
We would like you to outline any previous experience of teaching or observing teaching and the key aspects you learnt from this.
Please note that previous school experience is not a requirement or a condition of entry to the programme.
Task two
You will be asked to prepare a five-minute presentation prior to interview and be ready to present it to staff and other applicants on the day. This should be an informal presentation but you should be prepared to answer questions on your chosen topic from the tutor and other applicants.
The aspect to be presented for each subject is as follows:
Art and design
Prepare a five-minute presentation on an artist of your choice. Their artwork can be any form of 2D or 3D work, video or performance, etc. It is your choice. You are asked to present your ideas about the artist's work in the form of a talk using any materials you think appropriate.
Please also make sure you have a digital copy of your portfolio with you.
Computer science
Prepare a five-minute presentation introducing an aspect/principle of coding to a Key Stage 3 or GCSE level audience. The time allowance should help you to decide on what is feasible to cover but you should introduce the idea and explain why it is useful/how it can be used.
Design and technology
Prepare a five-minute presentation on your specialist area that demonstrates a particular principle/concept you think would be of interest/pertinent to a Key Stage 3 or GCSE class. You may wish to consider the historical, cultural and social contexts. What would be your practical expectations with this work; what should they be able to make and what should they be able to show through this process?
Please also make sure you have a digital copy of your portfolio with you.
Drama
Prepare a five-minute presentation that identifies a practitioner whose work you find interesting and explain how you would incorporate this into your classroom practice. You are asked to present your ideas about the practitioner's work using any materials, PowerPoint or practical exercises you think appropriate.
English
Choose and explain the educational potential of a piece of teenage fiction. This will be a five-minute presentation and there will be non-specialists on the panel. You are asked to present your ideas about the piece using any materials, PowerPoint or practical exercises you think appropriate.
Geography
Prepare a five-minute presentation on a fieldwork experience you have had anywhere in the world. You should include what the fieldwork involved and suggest how this fieldwork could support geography teaching in school.
History
Prepare a five-minute presentation on a historical figure who could be used within your teaching. This person may help illustrate an important aspect of the subject of history. You are asked to present your ideas in the form of a talk using any materials you think are appropriate.
Mathematics
Prepare a five-minute presentation on how you would use a specific resource to introduce or develop an aspect of Mathematics from the Key Stage 3 or 4 curriculum. You are asked to present your ideas in the form of a talk using any materials you think are appropriate.
Music
Prepare a five-minute presentation about a practical activity that you might use in the classroom to achieve a musical outcome. You are encouraged to use your own performing skills but will need to bring your own instruments if required, as interviews will take place in non-specialist rooms.
You should be clear about what your pupils would learn and how the activity’s practical nature is relevant to that learning. You should specify which year the activity is designed for and reference should be made to assumed prior experience. The most recent National Curriculum for Music should also be referred to.
Science
Prepare a five-minute presentation on your favourite scientist. Your choice may be a contemporary or historical figure; one of a significant research group or a lone researcher who could be used to support your teaching. This person may help illustrate an important aspect of the subject of science. You are asked to present your ideas about the scientist's work in the form of a talk using any materials you think are appropriate.