POSTGRADUATE STUDY
A guide to teacher training interviews Introduction The information in this factsheet has been taken from the Department of Education Teaching Agency website. Go to www.education.gov.uk to view this and more information.
Help with your interview Before being accepted on an initial teacher training (ITT) programme, you will be asked to attend an assessment interview. Your interview is an essential part of the application process for all initial teacher training (ITT). Interviews usually take place over a full day, but may take as little as an hour. You will be asked about your experience of working with young people, your commitment to teaching and your relevant knowledge and skills. What to expect The format of the interview varies between ITT providers and subjects. Your interview could be a one-on-one or a panel interview, and you may have tests and tasks to complete before you arrive. You may also be required to participate in a 'recruitment exercise', which may include any of the following: •
a group task, discussion or presentation
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a further individual interview
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a written test
What to say Your interviewer(s) will be looking for you to demonstrate a number of qualities. You should therefore try to tailor your answers and contributions to reflect these qualities. They are: •
a commitment to, and understanding of, primary or secondary education and the role of the teacher
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good personal, intellectual and communication skills
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a positive attitude towards children and working with children
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an enthusiasm for, and understanding of, your subject(s) and teaching in general and clear and accurate spoken English
How to prepare
Page |2 As with any interview, the key to success is preparation. Make sure you research the course and institution you're interviewing for thoroughly, as well as the issues surrounding education and teaching in general. Policies and practices change quickly, so your knowledge needs to be up to date. Think carefully about your reasons for applying for the course and your interest in becoming a teacher. Many training providers expect to see evidence of applicants having classroom experience so consider spending some time in a classroom before your interview. Whether working or observing, this experience should enable you to speak with authority in the interview. Contact your ITT provider for additional information on your assessment interview. Interactive interview help from the Department of Education - http://tinyurl.com/q9k8849
Professional Skills Test You will need to take the numeracy and literacy skills tests as part of the application process, and ensure you have passed them both before the start of the course. The first attempt at taking your skills tests in each subject is provided free of charge. You can book up to two resits if required, but you will be expected to pay for these yourself. You can book your tests up to three months in advance for a date by which you are expecting to have submitted an application. When you take the tests you will need to provide proof that you have applied for a teacher training course. Please go to the Department of Education Website to view full details - http://sta.education.gov.uk/ If you cannot take the test before an interview, any offers you receive will be conditional on you passing the test before the start the training programme. If you are able to pass the test before your interview, that will be to your advantage as this will help the Initial teacher training (ITT) providers when decide whether to offer you a place. Find out more and access practice tests - http://sta.education.gov.uk/
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