If your application form is up to standard and is supported by a positive reference then the chances are you'll be invited for interview. In fact, due to the nature of the role, no institution will offer you a teacher training place without interviewing you beforehand.
If you're unfamiliar with the interview venue make sure you thoroughly research the directions before you set out. I always use Google Maps to print a route card so I can easily find the venue on the day. Additionally, if the interview venue is local to me, I always make a preliminary visit in the days leading up. This allows me to check out the parking facilities, local public transport and that sort of thing.
Remember to take any supporting documents with you to interview. This includes things like exam certificates and, very importantly, some official photographic proof of identity.
You only get one chance to make a first impression so make sure you are of clean, smart and practical appearance. Also remember to speak clearly and look at the interviewers when you are engaged in conversation.
Most interviews are conducted by at least two, possibly three interviewers. They will usually have read your UCAS/GTTR form in detail beforehand and are likely to question you about your qualifications, personal statement (especially) and reference. I can not emphasise enough that you must know your UCAS/GTTR form word for word and be prepared to answer questions on it. Most interviews begin with a few pleasantries like introductions, shaking of hands and asking about your journey etc.
The questions in the interview are likely to revolve around the following issues:
If you're unfamiliar with the interview venue make sure you thoroughly research the directions before you set out. I always use Google Maps to print a route card so I can easily find the venue on the day. Additionally, if the interview venue is local to me, I always make a preliminary visit in the days leading up. This allows me to check out the parking facilities, local public transport and that sort of thing.
Remember to take any supporting documents with you to interview. This includes things like exam certificates and, very importantly, some official photographic proof of identity.
You only get one chance to make a first impression so make sure you are of clean, smart and practical appearance. Also remember to speak clearly and look at the interviewers when you are engaged in conversation.
Most interviews are conducted by at least two, possibly three interviewers. They will usually have read your UCAS/GTTR form in detail beforehand and are likely to question you about your qualifications, personal statement (especially) and reference. I can not emphasise enough that you must know your UCAS/GTTR form word for word and be prepared to answer questions on it. Most interviews begin with a few pleasantries like introductions, shaking of hands and asking about your journey etc.
The questions in the interview are likely to revolve around the following issues:
- Your previous experiences, which you must be able to reflect on, and how these better equip you for a career in teaching.
- Your understanding of the National Curriculum for your chosen age range: What it is, the general structure and how it works.
- Ethical questions: What would you do in the situation put to you by the interviewers?
- Current educational issues: Be aware of the big issues affecting teaching at the moment. Read the Times Educational Supplement and the education sections of the news websites.
- Why you want to become a teacher: Be prepared to explain your motivation to teach. It's fine to say you like working with children, but you should have a more substantial answer practiced. Something along the lines of enjoying your subject, wishing to share your knowledge with children and inspire them to pursue the subject further.
- What skills should a teacher have: Good teachers have the ability to break down complicated concepts into smaller and more manageable chunks. They can also relate what they are teaching in the classroom to the wider world outside.
- Why you want to study at [institution name]: Know a little bit about the structure of the course and what makes it different from other ITT courses.
At the end of the interview there is usually an opportunity for you to ask any questions you have about the course. If you have no questions then don't feel obliged to ask something silly - just explain that you have looked at the course brochure and have already found most of the answers.
Most institutions also require you to complete a short English and Mathematics test, just to confirm that you have a satisfactory level of literacy and numeracy. A few institutions also ask you to give a small presentation to a group of people. You will be informed in advance if you need to prepare anything for the day.
The entire interview/testing process will be over within about an hour. Once the interview/testing is over it is over - there's no point dwelling on it and torturing yourself with a detailed post mortem.
All being well you should hear their decision within a few weeks.
Most institutions also require you to complete a short English and Mathematics test, just to confirm that you have a satisfactory level of literacy and numeracy. A few institutions also ask you to give a small presentation to a group of people. You will be informed in advance if you need to prepare anything for the day.
The entire interview/testing process will be over within about an hour. Once the interview/testing is over it is over - there's no point dwelling on it and torturing yourself with a detailed post mortem.
All being well you should hear their decision within a few weeks.