PGCE Primary interview information

In response to positive feedback from previous applicants, all BSU interviews will be done online via Microsoft Teams.

You'll be sent an invitation in advance and we ask that you join a few minutes early so that you're ready for the 9.00am start.

If using a laptop, please ensure that you've tested your camera and microphone and that you have connectivity (we advise that you stay close to your wifi router). If you don't have a laptop, there's an option to use a mobile phone to join the group. 

Please ensure you have your camera turned on throughout the interview presentation.

After the presentation, you'll be invited to take part in an individual interview. You'll receive your time slot for this separately.

As above, you'll need to connect with the interviewer via Microsoft Teams with your camera turned on.

This is a professional interview. Please dress appropriately and ensure you're in a quiet, private space for the one-to-one interview. 

The interview will have two parts:

• a presentation from a Programme Leader
• a formal, virtual interview 

The day begins with a presentation delivered virtually by a Programme Leader which will give more information about the structure and nature of the PGCE with QTS programmes. You'll also have the chance to ask questions.

It'll take place at 9.00am for approximately one hour. 

After the presentation you'll be invited to take part in an individual interview via Microsoft Teams. You should allow up to an hour for the interview. Your allocated time slot will be communicated to you separately. 

We're a friendly team and will do our best to help you feel at ease during your interview. 

You'll be asked to show some photo ID to confirm your identity at the start of the one-to-one interview.

This could be@

• Passport
• Driving licence
• Any other form of Government photographic ID (this can include non-UK documentation).

You'll be asked a few questions at the start of the interview to help us explore why you want to become a teacher and some of the skills you'll bring to the profession.

This section will last around 10 minutes. 

Before the interview, you should watch two of the videos listed below which are examples of teaching and learning activities:

• Mathematics in Key Stage 1
• PE in a Reception class
• Art in Year 2

Take time to reflect on what you've observed and make some notes. This will then be used as a stimulus for discussion with your interviewer.

This section will last around 10 minutes. 

Below is a list of attributes that are considered to make an effective teacher. Before your interview, please read the list and consider why the attributes are important.

During the interview, you'll be asked to discuss your views on the attributes. You're encouraged to draw on your own experience and knowledge of education to justify, illustrate and support your views. 

The list of attributes are:

• Understands and is responsive to pupils from diverse cultural backgrounds
• Is empathetic and a good listener
• Uses a creative and innovative approach to engage learners
• Upholds British values
• Has strong subject and curriculum knowledge
• Is able to analyse data and meet targets to ensure pupils make progress
• Understands the importance of their role in developing pupils’ literacy and numeracy skills in a cross-curricular way
• Monitors and takes responsibility for own professional development
• Engages with current educational research and development.

This section will last around 10 minutes. 

Before the interview, you should identify and reflect on a piece of literature/research related to education, teaching or learning. This should be something that has challenged your thinking, fuelled your passion for teaching and learning or contributed to your understanding of learning in a particular subject or age phase.

You may wish to source your research or literature from established sources such as Google Scholar, the Chartered College of Teaching or the Times Educational Supplement. Similarly, if you're currently engaged in academic study related to education, you may like to draw on research that you're using for your dissertation, etc.

If you're applying to the 3-7 route (X110), please draw on a piece of research/literature that's relevant to the early years age phase.

You'll be asked to introduce and summarise the research, whilst also explaining the impact that it has had on your understanding of education, teaching or learning. Where possible, make links to any developments you're aware of related to the relevant age-phase, subject, curriculum area or the wider educational context in England.

This section will last around 5 minutes. 

At the end of the interview there will be an opportunity to ask questions to clarify your understanding of the PGCE with QTS programmes. If you have further questions please email the Programme Director, iamh McGrogan.