PGCE School Direct Primary Programme

INTERVIEWS

Guidance for Candidates

2014 Entry


Edge Hill University Mission Statement

“Edge Hill University will provide an intellectually stimulating, creative and inclusive environment for its community. Teaching and learning of the highest standard, supported by pure and applied research of international significance, will provide a firm foundation for its graduates, and other stakeholders in a rapidly changing world. An international perspective, knowledge and understanding, and a life-long capacity to learn and adapt, is the surest way of securing an individual’s and nation’s future.”
The Marches School Learning Mission Statement
“We believe that successful creative lifelong learners participate in a journey of self discovery. They know how to learn, acquire skills and feel safe to take risks with confidence and courage.”

Equal Opportunities

Edge Hill University aims to provide an institutional environment which is welcoming; and which values and affirms the positive contributions of all its members.

Edge Hill University seeks to identify and to eradicate any practices which promote racism, sexism or homophobia or which discriminate against people with disabilities, or from particular socio-economic backgrounds, or because of their age.

We ask everyone to be aware of their behaviour at all times so that we can continue to develop an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome”.


Contents

1. YOUR INTERVIEW

1.1 Introduction and Arrival

1.2 The Structure of the Day

1.3 What to Bring with You

1.4 Preparation for Your Interview

1.5 Students with Disabilities or Learning Difficulties

1.6 Selection Guidance

1.7 Interview Outcomes

2. PROGRAMME INFORMATION

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Full time and Part time Programmes

2.3 Course Details and Awards

2.4 Full time PGCE and Part time Pathway C: outline calendars

2.5 Part time Pathways A and B: examples

1.  YOUR INTERVIEW

1.1 INTRODUCTION

We are very pleased that you have decided to apply to Edge Hill University and The Marches School for a place on a School Direct Primary programme. We hope that this booklet will enable you to prepare thoroughly and to present yourself well at your interview.

Your interview has three main purposes:

·  to enable you to present yourself well in a supportive and open, but challenging, context

·  to establish whether you have the subject knowledge, skills, experience, qualities and aptitude necessary to cope with the professional and academic demands of an intensive course, to achieve Qualified Teacher Status and to become an outstanding primary teacher

·  to inform you about the programmes so that, if you are offered a place, you can make appropriate decisions and plans.

A significant number of applications have been considered by school colleagues and we wish you well as you progress further through the competitive selection and interview process.

All the schools work in Partnership with Edge Hill University to provide candidates the opportunity to gain a Primary PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education) through School Direct.

The alliance involves eight primary schools all of which have significant experience in delivering outstanding Initial Teacher Training (ITT) in partnership with Edge Hill University alongside a secondary school The Marches School, Oswestry. The primary schools who would be involved in delivering the training include,

·  Bryn Offa

·  The Meadows

·  Selattyn

·  Morda

·  Whittington

·  Our Lady & St Oswald’s Catholic Primary

·  Trefonen

·  Woodside

This is a one year course for graduates that wishto achieve Qualified Teacher Status.

School Direct students will be trained jointly within the cluster of schools and Edge Hill University. Trainees on the programme will receive a comprehensive training programme with the schools involved providing specific training on a number of areas including assessment, phonics, Early Years Foundation Stage, curriculum design, mathematics and SEN/D. Trainees will also have the opportunity to receive training in the lead secondary school The Marches as an enhancement.

As you are aware it is our intention to recruit those candidates who have the potential to be outstanding primary teachers, applicants for the 2014 intake will be involved in a rigorous selection process over one day including:

·  Subject knowledge multiple choice test

·  Academic writing task

·  Observation of you managing a group of learners

·  Short interview

Good Luck in your interview

Lisa Murtagh, Head of School Direct Programmes

Edge Hill University

Congratulations on reaching the interview stage for a School Direct place with Edge Hill University and The Marches School

We hope that the successful candidates will enjoy working alongside our staff in our friendly and supportive schools.

We look forward to meeting you at interview and to working with you in the future.

Sarah Longville

The Marches School, Oswestry

Time and Location

You will receive specific details regarding the time and location of the interview as part of the interview day will take place in a partner primary school; the second part will take place at The Marches School. It is important that you make every effort to arrive promptly and report to the main school reception.

The Marches School has a car park for visitors in front of and to the right of the main school reception.

Please use the link to the Marches Training website to find directions to The Marches School.

http://www.marchestraining.co.uk/general-information/how-to-find-us/

or use the following post code SY11 2AP (please note this is different to the main school post code).

1.2 THE STRUCTURE OF THE DAY

The structure of the day is flexible as several candidates will be interviewed during the day. The sequence of tasks may be different to allow for a rolling programme. There are several aspects to the interview process and it is expected that the interview will be completed by approximately 3.00pm.

A typical day will look as follows,

09.15 / Arrival / Primary School / Refreshments on arrival
09.30 - 09.45 / Welcome / Primary School / Introduction to the School Direct Programme
09.45 - 11.00 / Task 1 and 2 / Primary School / Teaching Task and Student Interview
11.15 - 11.30 / The Marches / Checking Documentation & certificates
11.30 / Break
11.45 - 12.30 / Task 3 / The Marches / Subject knowledge task
12.30 - 13.15 / Task 4 / The Marches / Academic writing task
13.15 / Lunch
14.45 / Task 5 / The Marches / Interview

Interview Tasks

1. An Introductory Talk

You will be given more information about the School Direct PGCE programmes and about the interview day. You will be able to ask questions about the programmes; please read this booklet carefully first.

2. A Subject Knowledge Test

You will be given one 45 minute, written test containing multiple-choice questions each for English, Mathematics and Science. It will relate to the knowledge required of trainee teachers and will be set at approximately Level 6 of the National Curriculum. This is below the levels required for in-course and national assessments, so you will be expected to work quickly and to score high marks. No spelling aids or calculators will normally be allowed.

English
You will be given a short text and asked about the author's use of written English, including:
·  identifying and explaining the author's use of certain styles or features
·  explaining the meaning of the whole text and individual words
·  identifying parts of speech and types of sentence
·  identifying word structures
·  identifying errors of spelling, grammar and punctuation
During the rest of your interview you must also speak and write clearly and correctly, using Standard English and cursive handwriting.
Mathematics
You will be given a short test which may include:
·  the number system (integers, fractions, decimals, indices)
·  mental calculations with the above
·  multiples, factors and ratios
·  number sequences
·  linear equations and inequalities
·  interpreting graphs and co-ordinates
·  properties of shapes
·  measurement (common calculations and imperial/metric units)
·  interpreting statistical data
·  calculating probabilities / Science
·  how to carry out investigations and interpret results
·  Life Systems (biology)
o  the functioning of organisms
o  continuity and change
o  ecosystems
·  Materials and their Structure (chemistry)
o  particles
o  compounds and reactions
o  changes of state
·  Physical Processes (physics)
o  electricity and magnetism
o  energy, forces and motion
o  light and sound
the Earth and beyond

3. A Written Task

You will have 45 minutes to answer a question about an educational issue. You will be expected to demonstrate a good knowledge and understanding of current primary school practice and of national educational issues, as well as good intellectual and presentational qualities and a good quality of standard, written English. You will not normally be able to use dictionaries or other aids.

Sample questions:

·  How effective is a cross curricular approach to planning and teaching in primary schools?

·  Should every teacher have a Teaching Assistant?

4. Teaching Task

You should prepare a ten minute literacy based activity around a book which you will use to lead a small group of children. You will be advised of the specific year group prior to the interview along with the location details. You should produce a plan for your session which can be shared with the interview panel. You may bring additional resources to be used as part of your teaching activity.

Further guidance in relation to this task will NOT be provided; this is your opportunity to demonstrate your flair, imagination and initiative, which are key skills for a primary teacher.

Enjoy this part of the day, it is your opportunity to demonstrate that you already possess all the skills and qualities required to be an outstanding primary teacher.

5.  Individual Interview

This is the final stage of the interview and selection process and is your opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the nature and needs of young learners and your commitment to meeting these needs as a primary teacher.


1.3 WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU

Photo Identification

You will be required to bring photographic identification (current passport or photo driving licence) to your interview. Any candidate not able to show photographic identification on their interview day will not be able to proceed to interview.

Qualifications

Please bring with you original and photocopies of certificates, if already achieved:

a.  your degree, or degree equivalent qualification to include a transcript of modules achieved;

b.  GCSE English Language, Mathematics and Science at grade C or above, or equivalent qualifications

c.  Confirmation that you have passed the national Professional Skills Tests in numeracy and literacy if already attained. Please see page 12 for further information regarding the tests.

d.  any portfolios, samples of work and other materials that can demonstrate your suitability for the programme

We will check your copied certificates against your originals and sign them as a true copy to be kept on your file. You will be able to take your original certificates home with you on the day.

Please note:

·  If you have changed your name since the certificates were issued, please provide evidence (e.g. a copy of your marriage certificate, change of name deed) and advise us of this when you hand in your photocopies

·  If you do not bring photocopies of your certificates on the day and the decision of the panel is to offer you a place, we will withhold the offer until we have verification of your original certificates

For your interview – please ensure you are fully prepared and able to commence the written elements of the stage 1 interview and practical elements of stage 2 of the interview. As these elements are timed it may be sensible to ensure that you have a watch with you.

Partnership Agreement

Training in Educational Settings

·  The lead school in partnership with Edge Hill University will source all ITT professional practice in school.

·  You will be expected to travel to your professional practice venue and you must be prepared that this may involve travelling some distance. You will be expected to drive or travel on public transport to your professional practice.

·  We do provide some reimbursement for travel to and from training. Please see the Faculty travel policy for more details.

'Where will placements be located?

·  Based upon your individual training plan a professional practice will be allocated according to your needs. This means that the periods of professional practice are not decided on geographical location but on your specific individual training needs identified in conjunction with a tutor. Therefore there is an expectation that you will be required to travel to the professional practice. There is no set criterion for what is/could is deemed as a reasonable journey although within The Marches cluster, the primary schools are within 20 minutes travel from the lead school.

·  Travel will be via car or public transport (please refer to the Trainee travel and accommodation policy). It is your responsibility to ensure that you are able to get to your professional practice by the time required each day. In addition you should be aware that if you are allocated a distance placement we will provide either accommodation or travel as appropriate.

Please bring a signed copy of the Trainee Partnership Agreement which will be collected from you (a copy of this is at the back of this booklet)

Additional Documents

You do not need to submit anything else. If you want the panel to consider concise additional documentation, such as an additional reference, then please include it in the plastic wallet along with your photographs and Information Update form. It will not be returned to you.

If you have additional documentation that you want to show to the panel and then take away at the end of the day, such as a portfolio of experience, then you may show it during your individual interview.


1.4 PREPARATION FOR YOUR INTERVIEW

Time in School

If you are able to spend more time in school before your interview, you should use it to gather relevant experiences and information. If all your experience has been in one school or class, try to broaden your experience by spending time elsewhere.

General Reading

You may also need to do some general preparatory reading and research, to develop your understanding of educational issues and current developments. The following text is currently used on the PGCE courses and is also a useful introductory reader.