PGCE Interview Tips
PGCE Interviews are pretty daunting, and nerves can easily get the better of you if you're not well prepared. Below is a selection of useful tips from Teachers and students that have been there and gone through the interview process. Some people sail through with confidence, others mess it up first time, but try again, more determined than ever.
If you have any tips you would like to share please add them in the Comments below.
- Read around the education sector, to ensure you are up to speed with all current issues. Check our News Feeds for the latest educational news.
- Be Honest! You are not expected to know everything, though you should have done enough preparation to ensure you can answer the majority of the questions asked. If you are unsure ask them to clarify the question, if you don't know, tell them that you don't know.
- Look smart, but do not overdress, you may see people turning up casually dressed, but being smart will give you the confidence, and present a good impression. For PE courses check that if you will need appropriate dress for activities. (don NOT wear jeans!)
- Read the sample PGCE Interview Questions, for a flavour of what you may be asked.
- Be prepared to reveal your opinions, ideas and attitudes.
- Reflect on your teaching experience, and apply it to your answers.
- Group Tasks - ensure that you are seen to be taking an active part in any activities, do not be too agressive, but take leadership if you have the chance.
- Try to avoid a simple question/answer format, expand on any given questions, using your experience and knowledge of education issues (see tip 1).
- Take with you a bag containing, certificates, notepad, pens, evidence of experience and any material given to you prior to the interview. Take a drink (you'll need it) and a small snack, just in case.
- If asked about hobbies, try to link them back to education and teaching.
- Try to get across your passion for your subject and teaching, this is a key area that you are being tested on.
Comments
Comments to date: 28. Page 1 of 3.
Average Rating: 
neelz london | Thursday, January 26th, 2012 |
Hi everyone, | |
A. Strawheed Mickley | Wednesday, November 30th, 2011 |
It's more exciting if you take them in the woods | |
P. Doe Mickley | Wednesday, November 30th, 2011 |
Conor, just don't tell them about your 15 year old cousin you are rather fond of ;) | |
G. Litter Mickley | Wednesday, November 30th, 2011 |
Conor bots kids | |
Conor Newcastle | Monday, November 28th, 2011 |
Hi, | |
stephanie cardiff | Friday, May 20th, 2011 |
ill be honest, i seriously do not think they will care about your dress sense. just be yourself. | |
chrissy norwich | Tuesday, February 15th, 2011 |
Has anyone got any advice for a science interview? As I have mine at the UEA for secondary PGCE IN chemistry | |
Sadia Manchester | Thursday, February 3rd, 2011 |
Hi I have been invited to an interview for at Liverpool Hope Uni and they would like me to read a passage from a children's literature. Does anyone know what they will be looking for? Do they mean 'just reading in a creative , expressive way', or tea... read more » | |
Aly Kent | Tuesday, January 18th, 2011 |
Hello I have been invited to PGCE Primary Interview in Feb, any help or suggestions please. Have to do a basic Maths GCSE test....I haven't done Maths GCSE in over 10 years!! | |
Elaine Norfolk | Tuesday, November 30th, 2010 |
I'm expecting to go for a secondary Science interview soon, and I've been advised by a teching CPD mogul NOT to wear a suit. I will be wearing what I normally teach in (bootleg trousers, POLISHED flat shoes and a casual-smart tunic top or blouse, wit... read more » | |
