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Welcome from the Edge Hill University Partnership Dear Applicant, Congratulations on gaining an interview for the PGCE Primary Education Programme at Edge Hill University. We have a long and well-established history for providing inspirational training for teachers of the future. Our innovative programmes provide an exciting opportunity in training to teach in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. Containing the perfect mix of theory, research, academic study and school-based practice, our programmes are taught by a large and committed team of expert practitioners. Our partnership of over 900 schools is spread throughout the UK. In May 2014, Ofsted said: ‘The partnership has an expertly crafted vision for excellence which places partnership at the heart of training in ITE. Schools’. Our training is provided by our partnership - schools and university working together to deliver high quality, innovative and cutting edge teacher training. Our interview process provides you with the opportunity to shine. We are looking for the ‘potential’ within you – the potential for you to be an outstanding teacher. This is your chance to share with us why you want to be a teacher and what skills you possess that will help you to become a high quality educator of children in the current, very challenging, educational climate. Think carefully about what you have learned from the experiences you have had working with children. Reflect on what you have seen in school or clubs/activities. We hope you will be able to show your passion, dedication and enthusiasm and during the interview will share your own subject knowledge/expertise with us. We look forward to hearing your thoughts. I hope you enjoy your visit to Edge Hill University. Dr Helen O’Keeffe - Head of Primary Education

Dear Applicant, Well done for reaching the interview stage of the process to gain a place at Edge Hill University.

From a school’s perspective I am delighted to be involved in this necessarily rigorous selection

process to ensure that together we produce the next generation of excellent teachers. Over the

last few years I have appointed three newly qualified teachers from Edge Hill and as our school

received a judgement of Outstanding from Ofsted recently it proves that they are the best teachers

I could appoint.

Mrs Janice Reynolds - Headteacher, Newburgh CE Primary School

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What recent candidates said about the interview process.

‘The interview day was very well organised, everything went to plan and people were really friendly and helpful!’

‘It was a very pleasant experience!’

‘The friendliness of the staff was comforting’

‘I found the experience relaxing (well as relaxing as interviews can be!)’

‘The day was well structured and it was well organised’

‘I was made to feel very welcome and it was nowhere near as scary as I thought it was going to be!’

‘They made it as comfortable as possible, but know exactly which questions to ask without bombarding us with too much information’

Preparation for Interview

Before the interview, it is essential that you have;

read the information in this document and made a note of the items that you need to bring with you to the interview and any questions that you want to ask;

thought about and can explain why you want to teach pupils in the Primary age range;

spent time observing in a Primary school;

familiarised yourself with current educational issues. The Times Educational Supplement, The Guardian Education Supplement and Independent Education Supplement, BBC Education News are good starting points.

These activities will supplement your preparatory reading and research.

During the interview you will be asked: Have you previously attended a QTS programme?

If you have previously attended at QTS programme, no matter for how long, you should bring the following details with you:

programme name institution dates attended reasons for leaving

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What to bring with you

1. Original certificates:

Bachelor Degree or equivalent qualification, if you hold Masters or PhD, please bring these also

A/AS Levels or equivalent qualifications (e.g. Access, BTEC, etc)

GCSE qualifications - particularly in English Language, Mathematics and Science

Skills Test passes (if achieved prior to interview)

2. Photocopies of certificates:

To ensure we can check you in for your interview quickly please bring photocopies of the qualifications listed above, as well as your original certificates.

Please note:

If you have changed your name since the certificates were issued, please provide evidence of your name change (e.g. marriage certificate, change of name deed poll etc).

If you do not bring photocopies of your certificates on the day and are successful following your interview, we will withhold the offer until we have verification of your original certificates.

3. Photographic ID:

You will be unable to proceed to interview without this. Your ID will be checked by your interviewer.

4. Additional Items for your interview:

a pen

any additional supporting evidence that you wish to show to your interviewers

a watch for use during the subject knowledge tests

5. Specialism Choice Form

Available on page 12 of this guide.

5. Parking Permit: If you are travelling by car you will need to display a parking permit clearly on your dashboard and you will be directed to any available spaces by our Security Staff when you arrive at the main entrance. Your permit is provided at the end of this document.

You can download the parking permit here: Interview Parking Permit

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Arrival at Edge Hill University

The first part of the programme is signing in with our Admissions Team. Aim to arrive by 12.30pm. If you wish to purchase lunch/refreshments, you will be directed to one of our catering outlets. You should allow an extra 30 minutes to do this. When you arrive at the campus, please report to the Reception area in the Main Building. You can download a campus map here.

Car Parking on Campus

Parking at the Ormskirk campus is likely to be extremely limited. We would strongly advise candidates to travel by public transport wherever possible. There is an Edge Hill bus which runs from the bus station in Ormskirk to the Edge Hill campus every 20 minutes.

If you do travel by car, please print and bring with you a parking permit. Interview Parking Permit Please display this on your dashboard as you enter the campus main entrance. Parking attendants will then direct you to the nearest available space, if any are available. We must emphasise that possession of the parking permit does not guarantee you a space. If the campus is full, you can find several car parks in Ormskirk Town Centre.

Interview Schedule (outline schedule subject to change)

12.00-1.00 Candidates arrive and have qualifications checked by Admissions.

1.00-1.30 Overview of the programme (from Programme Leader).

1.30 –3.30 Candidates undertake subject knowledge tasks and written task.

*Candidates have approximately 1 hour 30 minutes for tasks within the 2 hour slot.

1.30 –3.30 Admissions Tutors collect trainees in groups of four at timeslots throughout the afternoon

Applicants participate in a group task followed by a 10 minute individual interview.

If there are any changes to this schedule it will be detailed in your interview invitation.

There is no formal closure of the afternoon's activities. Candidates will be free to leave from approximately 3.45pm onwards. Please ensure you do not book public transport that will require you to leave before this time.

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The Format of your Interview

Our aim at interview is to be able to identify the highest quality candidates therefore performance in all four aspects of the interview will be taken into consideration.

Written task

Subject knowledge tests*

Group task

Individual interview *These are in addition to the Professional Skills Tests you are required to pass prior to enrolment.

Written Task: You will 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?

Subject Knowledge Tasks in English, Mathematics and Science:

Questions will sample your knowledge of the listed topics focussing on subject knowledge used in a primary classroom. You will not normally be able to use a calculator or other aids.

English

You will be given a short text and asked about the author's use of written English, including:

identifying / explaining the use of certain styles, features or word structures;

explaining the meaning of the whole text and individual words;

identifying parts of speech and types of sentence;

identifying errors of spelling, grammar and punctuation.

During your interview you must also speak and write clearly and correctly, using Standard English and cursive handwriting.

Mathematics

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

Working Scientifically; Physics; Chemistry; Biology

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Group Task: Groups of approximately four candidates will be given an artefact or scenario to consider. You will have up to ten minutes to discuss the artefact or scenario within the group. In particular considering:

- How you would use the artefact as a teaching resource; - How you would ensure learning took place within the scenario; - What you would want the children to learn; - The teaching strategies you would employ; - Consideration of all needs within the class; - How to employ other adults effectively.

The interviewers may ask questions and will observe the discussion. Interview: You will have a ten minute individual interview with a member of the Edge Hill University Partnership which will cover:

- Your reasons for applying for this programme - Analysis of your experience in schools/settings to date - The role of the teacher - Your own skills and attributes and how these might support you in being an outstanding teacher - Current issues relating to primary education.

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The Programme

On successful completion of this PGCE you will:

Have a strong knowledge of Primary Education and meet the Teachers’ Standards (2013);

Understand how to teach in creative ways while ensuring that all children make good progress;

Appreciate the research relating to good teaching and be able to justify your own beliefs while respecting those of others;

Be skilled in monitoring and managing your own development and learning;

Have developed academically, personally and professionally;

Be in a strong position to gain employment as a newly qualified teacher.

Study and Support:

Your personal tutor, subject tutors, and school based mentors will support you throughout the programme and help you to monitor your own progress.

Your university experience will include lectures, seminar groups and workshops, supported by independent study and online learning materials. In workshops you will engage in and reflect on classroom activities.

In schools, you will undertake a range of differentiated training experiences which will be closely linked to your individual targets. You will develop your role as a class teacher, assuming greater responsibility for the children’s learning as you move through the programme.

Assessment:

Assessment strategies will include portfolios of school-based work, written assignments, oral presentations, and observations of your teaching in schools. You will be given clear assessment criteria and constructive feedback.

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Applicants with Disabilities or Specific Learning Difficulties

Applicants with disabilities or learning difficulties should note that the decision to offer a place on a course is made only on the selection criteria outlined on this page. However, you should note the following:

If you normally have additional time for examinations or tests, or large font type, or any other specific arrangements, please inform the Admissions Office by completing the online form. Please provide a copy of your LA ‘statement’ or a letter from your school, college or employer to confirm that additional time for tests is a requirement. If you require a BSL interpreter, it is important that you tell us about this and that you allow at least 5 working days for us to locate one for you. Unfortunately, there is a very limited supply of suitably qualified BSL interpreters and, therefore, the demand for these is high.

If you would like any confidential advice or information on Edge Hill University’s student support services for students with disabilities or learning difficulties, please do not hesitate to contact our Inclusion Team:

Tel: 01695 584190 or 01695 584746

Email: inclusiveservices@edgehill.ac.uk

Professional Skills Tests

If you are successful in your interview, you will be required to pass national Professional Skills Tests in numeracy and literacy as part of the admissions process.

Passing the tests will be a condition of entry and we will require applicants who are successful in obtaining an offer of a place to have passed the tests before the course starts.

Applicants who have passed their tests prior to attending an interview should bring confirmation of the pass to the interview.

Please note the tests do not replace the GCSE grade C equivalence entry requirement or tests that take place on the interview day.

For more information on Professional Skills Tests, visit our website or the Department for Education website.

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Selection Guidance

Are You Ready for a Primary PGCE? Assess yourself against the following statements - can you demonstrate at your interview that they all apply to you?

Do these Statements Describe You?

Why Do They Matter?

I am enthusiastic about becoming an outstanding primary teacher.

Children need enthusiastic teachers who will stimulate them to enjoy learning. You need to know that you will get personal enjoyment out of teaching, to sustain you through the very hard work that is involved in a PGCE course and a teaching career.

I already know a lot about children and primary education.

You need to be able to 'hit the ground running' on this course because there is a lot to learn in a short time. You also need to know what the job of a teacher entails, so that you can be sure it is the right career for you.

I communicate well and form good relationships.

You will need to help children to learn and to feel secure in your classroom, and you will need to command their respect. You will need to work effectively with professional colleagues and with parents.

I have good intellectual and organisational skills.

You will need to learn a lot in a short time. You will need to make constant, flexible decisions about how to apply your learning in complex classroom situations. You will need to organise your time around a busy schedule and to monitor and plan your own development.

I have good knowledge of the subjects of the primary curriculum.

You will need to teach English, mathematics, science, computing, history, geography, RE, art and design, design and technology, music, and PE. A good knowledge of English, mathematics, science and computing are particularly important. You must be able to speak and write Standard English at appropriate times and to read well.

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Edge Hill University Decisions

You will not be informed of the outcome of your interview on the day. You will be informed of the decision by the Admissions Office as soon as the University is in a position to commit to an offer of a place. Please note decisions will not be given over the telephone – you will be advised in writing only. All decisions will be transmitted to UCAS which will update your UCAS Track in real time. If You Are Unsuccessful If you are unsuccessful, we will send you interview feedback with an indication of the selection criteria that most influenced the decision of the interview panel together with any other relevant comments and guidance. Admissions tutors cannot offer you further feedback on your interview. You are welcome to reapply next academic year. If you choose to do so, you should reflect upon the feedback provided in order to help you plan to improve your application. If You Are Successful

Edge Hill University, along with all providers of Initial Teacher Training, is not permitted to make any formal offers to applicants until we receive formal notification of our student number allocations from the National College for Teaching & Leadership (NCTL).

If your interview is successful and you are made an offer, you will be notified in writing. The letter will advise you to login to UCAS Track to check the specific conditions of your offer. If you have any queries regarding your offer conditions, you must contact the Admissions Officer immediately and certainly within 14 days of the date on the offer letter. Feedback will also be sent to you to identify targets for you to begin to address before you enrol on the programme. Initial Teacher Training Programmes at Edge Hill University and its partner institutions are predicated on the principle that as an aspiring teacher you will receive the highest quality experience at Edge Hill to enable you to have opportunities to be an excellent teacher. As you study on a programme of Initial Teacher Training at Edge Hill, you will be placed in settings that will provide you with a depth and breadth of experience. Edge Hill will provide you with a number of Professional Practice settings that may be geographically diverse and that will, across the duration of the programme, provide you with an appropriate curriculum, age phase and learner- based experience. If you agree to accept the offer of a place on your chosen programme then it is essential that you agree to the following criteria:

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If you accept the place on the programme offered to you, then you must ensure that all documentation in relation to you being legally able to train within educational settings, is provided by you within three weeks of you receiving documentation from Edge Hill University’s Admissions Department.

An enhanced DBS enquiry will be undertaken on all those successful in being offered a place and you must provide relevant documentation to support this as required.

Ensure that all medical paperwork is completed.

If you have lived abroad for three months then you may need to obtain a criminal record check from the country/ countries that you resided in. Please contact DBSAdmin@edgehill.ac.uk for information.

Please refer to the documentation you will receive from Admissions for further details on the above requirements.

You will not be able to undertake any training in an educational setting unless you are: medically cleared, have Edge Hill DBS clearance, fully enrolled as a trainee at Edge Hill University.

If your interview is taking place within ten weeks of the commencement of the programme then you will have been advised to bring all documentation to the interview. If your interview is successful, then we will endeavour to process the DBS check immediately but there is no guarantee that it will be processed in time for your first placement. If this is the case, then you will supported in starting your professional practice later than your peers.

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Choice of Specialism Within the PGCE Primary Education with QTS* programme you have the opportunity to select a particular specialism as the focus of one of your academic modules. This module is designed to prepare you for subject leadership in a school setting and addresses a subject leader’s role in driving school improvement, ensuring the quality of teaching and learning, and raising the profile of the subject within the school community. The module assessment will require you to conduct and submit a literature review of a specific aspect of your chosen specialism. You will be supported in identifying this specific focus by a specialist tutor. You will present your key findings and recommendations for development of school policy and practice to your peers. You do not need any particular qualifications in relation to the specialisms – you should make your selection based on your personal interests and enthusiasm. Please select three from the list below. We will aim to allocate your first or second choice. We are offering the following specialisms subject to demand and viability:

English

Mathematics

Science

Modern Languages

Computing

Humanities (typically History; Geography; Religious Education; Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE); Values)

Creative Arts (typically Art; Design and Technology; Music; Drama; Dance)

Physical Education (PE)

Special Educational Needs / Disabilities (SEN/D)

Learning Outside the Classroom ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name………………………………

Choice Specialism

1

2

3

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PARKING PERMIT

APPLICANT INTERVIEW