BEd Primary interviews

Essential information for applicants attending an interview for our BEd (Hons) Primary courses
BEd Primary Education
We will be offering two platforms for attending interviews with us for September 2023 entry: in person interviews held at our Open Days or Offer Holder Days, and Zoom interviews on alternative Wednesday afternoons.
Open Day interviews
If you book to attend interview with us on one of our Open days, this will be an in person event hosted in our Rolle building. You will see this under the “location” section of your booking confirmation email.
Please note that booking to attend the Open Day does not mean you have booked your interview.
Virtual interviews
If you book to attend an interview with us on any of our Wednesday sessions, which will be hosted on Zoom, you will receive a Zoom link to attend the session.
If you are unsure on the location of your interview please contact us on interviewtostudy@plymouth.ac.uk 

Message from the Programme Leader


Well done! You have taken the next step towards being an inspiring primary school teacher. 
On this page you will find information about the interview including the preparation you will need to complete before the interview. 
Please explore the tabs below and read or watch the relevant signposted materials. The strongest candidates have thought carefully about these preparation tasks.



My colleagues and I always enjoy interviewing our prospective new teachers so I look forward to meeting you soon.
Remember to complete the pre-interview work linked below!
If you have any questions before we meet please do get in touch.
Interview tasks and preparation

Please find details of the interview preparation we would ask that you complete ahead of your interview. It is imperative that you come to your interview prepared.

Interviews are conducted in small groups with our teaching team and comprise of two parts; an informal presentation by each applicant (please see the task below) followed by structured interview questions. 

Interview Task for all Primary BEd Pathways:

Please prepare a 5-minute presentation to discuss a favourite children's book published within the past 5 years. You may wish to discuss which age group you would choose to share this to, what themes might be explored within the book and any potential opportunities to link this text to learning across the early years/primary curriculum.

This is an informal presentation for a small group of staff and other applicants and there will be an opportunity for the group to ask you questions about the text you choose.

There is no need for you to prepare a PowerPoint or other visual presentation, although you might like to have a copy of the book to show and share particular aspects you discuss.

EYFS/KS1 Pathway Applicants: Please choose a picture book suitable for this stage.

KS1/KS2 Pathway Applicants: You may choose a book suitable for any age/stage within primary.

SEND Pathway Applicants: You might like to focus on inclusion –how might you share your chosen book so that all children might access it? Alternatively, you might like to select a book that will support children’s understanding about SEND, helping them to feel valued and included.

After your interview

If you are successful at interview, as part of your offer you will be required to pass a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure Check and a Fit2teach Occupational Health Clearance Check.

If you do not pass these checks satisfactorily, you will not be able to complete a course with us.

If your checks are not completed before the first day of the course you may be able to start, however, if you fail to pass either of these checks satisfactorily your place will be withdrawn.

You can find further details on these checks below.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure

Our courses require students to work in positions requiring public trust. In order to ensure public protection and safety, all applicants are asked to declare any convictions or cautions against them as well as any pending prosecutions. This can be done on the UCAS application form.

Enhanced disclosures will be made on all students when they hold conditional firm or unconditional firm status. You will be sent details of how to complete the check online as part of your offer. This process must be completed, even if a check has recently been completed for another organisation. All information is treated in the utmost confidence.

A disclosure which contains details of an offence does not automatically preclude study on one of our courses. We operate a Professional Issues Committee which considers each case individually and confidentially. In all instances, the committee assesses whether the disclosure would prevent an applicant from going on placement or obtaining employment upon graduation.

Occupational health clearance (Fit2teach)

Applicants are required to undergo a health assessment prior to the start of the course. This is to ensure that you are physically and mentally suited to a career in education. If you have any concerns about your medical suitability, you are advised to discuss this with your GP.

The questionnaire will be sent by email and forms the basis of the health screening, so it is vital that all questions are answered as fully and honestly as possible.

Information for students who have previously resided outside the UK as an adult (i.e. from age 18 or over)

If you have previously resided outside of the UK (from age 18 or over) it is your responsibility to obtain a relevant 'certificate of good character' (or similar) from the country concerned. For information about applying for such certificates, please consult the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) website.

The University cannot apply for these certificates on your behalf or pay for the costs involved. This process can take some time and you are strongly advised to apply at the earliest opportunity.

Students who have previously resided abroad will be unable to start student placements without this certificate.

FAQs

How do I book my interview?
Upon successful submission of your application, you will be sent an email with a unique link to our online booking system. You can use our online system to select an interview date that best suits your availability.
If you have not received this email, please be sure to check your junk or clutter folders.
 
What if I need to reschedule my interview after I have booked onto one?
You can change, move or reschedule your interview at any stage using the online booking system.
If you are unable to attend any of the dates shown, then please contact our Course Enquiries and Interviews Team by emailing interviewtostudy@plymouth.ac.uk or by calling +44 1752 585858
 
What if I have applied for more than one pathway?
If you have applied for more than one BEd Primary programme, your suitability for all programmes will be assessed during your interview; you do not need to book more than one interview.
 
What happens after my interview?
If you are successful at interview, your offer will be conditional on meeting the academic requirements for the course, as well as satisfactory occupational health and DBS checks. For further information, please see the ‘After your interview tab’ and visit the Department of Education website.

Please note: If you have applied for more than one programme within the Plymouth Institute of Education, you will only need to attend one academic interview. During this interview, you will be assessed to see if you are a suitable candidate for all programmes you have applied for.