We look forward to welcoming you to your interview. The interview is important for both you and us; it's vital that we see if you are suitable for the programme you have applied for, and it gives you the opportunity to see if Plymouth Marjon University is the place you would like to study.
During your interview day you will have the opportunity to:
There are a number of different components to the interview process which will provide us with a full picture of your ability and skills. We want you to present yourself in the best light and we aim to make you feel comfortable and welcome. Please read the information provided in your interview invitation email and on the website carefully so you come well prepared. As this is a professional programme, please present yourself appropriately for interview.
Your interview process will ensure that you have the intellectual and academic capabilities to train to teach. We will be making judgments on your capability to meet the Teachers’ Standards over the course of the 1-year PGCE programme. In addition, we have the responsibility to ensure that you have the health and physical capacity to train to teach as set out in the Education (Health Standards) (England) Regulations 2003.
Qualifications, DBS documents and online health check
You will need to provide copies of any qualifications already achieved and identification documents for a DBS check to interviews@marjon.ac.uk prior to your interview date.
As part of DBS checking guidelines, we are required to see physical copies of the DBS documents and we ask to see these at the initial interview stage. Please bring original versions of the documents that you will you scan and send to us in advance of the interview.
If you are successful at interview and accept an offer with us, we will be in touch regarding your DBS check and online health assessment. We will send you information about applying for a DBS check through Marjon - you cannot apply for this independently.
Please see your interview invitation letter for further information about the documents you need to send us and if you have any queries, please email interviews@marjon.ac.uk .
Recommended preparation for interview
The interview process comprises two key elements:
You will also be asked to complete a critical writing exercise.
To prepare for the interview you should research:
It is not essential that candidates have school experience when they apply for a PGCE Primary Education programme, however we would recommend that candidates obtain some observation experience to ensure that teaching is the right career path for them.
Individual Interview
You will be asked a number of questions which are designed to ascertain if you are a suitable candidate for teaching and for this PGCE programme. We will focus on the following areas:
The Interview Day
| Time | Activity- candidates |
Activity- Guests |
|---|---|---|
| 8.45am-9.15am |
Candidates and guests arrive and register at reception |
|
| 9.15am-9.45am |
Welcome Talk and refreshments in the Primary Centre |
|
| 9.45am-12.15pm |
Group and individual interviews |
Free time to explore the campus, relax in Barjon or stay in the Primary Centre |
| 12.15pm-1.00pm |
Critical writing task |
Free time to explore the campus, relax in Barjon or stay in the Primary Centre. |
| 1.00pm-1.30pm |
Optional campus tour by Student Ambassadors |
|
| 1.30pm |
Candidates and guests depart |
|
Please let us know if you can attend your interview by completing the response form link in your invitation letter. You will need to provide copies of your qualifications and DBS documents, as detailed in your invitation letter at least 7 days prior to your interview.
Sometimes invitations are issued with less than 7 days to the interview date. If this applies to you, please provide the required documents at least 48 hours before you interview session.
