not to be able to resist trying to second-guess the interviewer's decision? And to beg you lot to help me do so?

[gobehindabushfgs]

I know, I should just wait but I am in TORMENT

I had my interview for PGCE yesterday and I was told that they would be making the decision yesterday afternoon but we would not find out via the GTTR for two weeks

I am desperate to get on this course and will be so gutted if they turn me down - but it is very competitive and lots of great people will have applied

the lady who interviewed me said really nice things about me, she said my presentation was 'fantastic' and she liked that I had focused on particular children and their different learning styles

she said I did really well and had good ideas in the group task (playing with lego and blocks!)

she said I was academically very strong and that it was obvious from the start that I was a good candidate and said the right things, asked the right questions etc

BUT she really, really grilled me about how nervous I was, was I resilient enough etc - she got it out of me that I had a bad time in my last year of uni, that my confidence hasn't always been great etc

she said at the end "we don't decide until after you have all gone, but I think you should take away the fact that you have done fantastically today and you should have more confidence in yourself"

when I was talking about the neuroscience aspect of early years, that children learn resilience and self-confidence to learn independently thorough having positive relationships with key adults, she said something about "yes, this resilience thing is really powerful for you isn't it"

she asked me how I thought I would cope with stroppy, rude teachers on placement, and I said I thought I would be fine, I have worked with difficult people before, I have a good "professional head" when I am at work (that sounds wank, doesn't it?) and I am quite good at admitting when I am wrong, even if the person pointing it out is rude

was she letting me down gently by saying "you've done really well but you ain't tough enough for this game"? Or do you think they will accept me?

if you have got to the end of this, thank you for reading and indulging my childish and futile attempt to second-guess the process!

[JamieLeeCurtis]

Sounds to me that she was giving you a chance to address the concerns she had - to see whether you can be self-reflective, acknowledge an issue and not crumble under the idea of being criticised.

[gobehindabushfgs]

eek, that sounds scary

I didn't deny it or anything, I just said I was nervous because it meant so much to me - I have worked my way up from being a volunteer sweeping floors and cleaning loos etc, and I am dead certain this is what I want to do, and 2 minutes is a VERY short time to showcase all your skills in a presentation

I hope I didn't sound defensive

[JamieLeeCurtis]

It's hard when you are criticised for lack of confidence - it doesn't necessarily make you feel more confident, does it ? - IME you can only learn confidence by keeping going when things are difficult and realising you were able to do that. I would have thought that. having experienced that yourself, you'd be well-placed to help children.

[JamieLeeCurtis]

X -post

I wasn't very clear in my first post - I meant that you did address her concerns. Which is good.

[LadyGlencoraPalliser]

I think it sounds very hopeful. I had a PGCE interview in November - they do probe you about what they think your weak points are. I was also very proud of my presentation and worried because of the way the interview had focused on what he perceived as my weaknesses. BUT a couple of weeks later I had an email to say I was being offered a place conditional on the outcome of the funding review. I will find out for sure on Friday whether I have a place or not.
Sounds to me like you are in with a really good chance. Good luck!

[JamieLeeCurtis]

Me again - Your presentation and activity sound really positive, too.

[gobehindabushfgs]

thanks

I know no-one can tell me the answer really

I am agonising over the thought that she might have thought I was unstable or something

I am not, I have been working in a children's centre for four years with some proper "characters" on staff and I have become much more of a coper - but the nerves in the interview were a bit of a throw back

[JamieLeeCurtis]

You don't sound unstable !

Best of luck

[gobehindabushfgs]

thanks jamie, you have been lovely :)

and glencora, well done on your place!

[gobehindabushfgs]

. anyone else been interviewed and want to agonise with me?

[gobehindabushfgs]

.

[gobehindabushfgs]

aw come on, there must be others as childish impatient keen as me!

[marriednotdead]

I am not in your position but DD was last year so I remember the agonising wait and the shrieks of delight when she got through.

I wish you lots of luck.

It sounds as if your passion shone through your nervousness and fingers crossed, you will soon be as happily exhausted and drowning in paperwork as my DD is now

[claig]

You've got it no problem. She knew you were nervous and lacked confidence, but that is not a big deal, because you will gain these as you progress. You gave very good answers to everything. The key is when she said

"we don't decide until after you have all gone, but I think you should take away the fact that you have done fantastically today and you should have more confidence in yourself"

she was telling you that you did fantastically and that there is no reason for lack of confidence. You will get it, well done.

[gobehindabushfgs]

Ooooh, I hope you are right!

[claig]

what will you be teaching, primary or secondary?

[gobehindabushfgs]

primary - I've gone for an Early Years specialism, but will be qualified to teach all primary

it is a dearly held dream for me, I feel dizzy thinking about it, if I don't get in I will be really upset

[claig]

fantastic. I am sure you will get it. Let us know when you get the result.

[Changeisagoodthing]

It all depends on how you benchmark against the other applicants. Pgce is tough to get on.

If you don't get on then look at graduate teacher or reapply next year. Don't let it stop you.

[gobehindabushfgs]

I know, there are lots of applicants and they can afford to be selective

[lazarusb]

I was unexpectedly offered an unconditional place at my 2nd choice Uni last week and have been manically checking my e-mail many times each day because I really want to hear (a positive) answer from my 1st choice, so I understand how you feel about the waiting!
Sounds like you gave a good interview though so GOOD LUCK!

[gobehindabushfgs]

Euphemia, I hope so too, but I would be happy with supply work for quite a while I think. I currently work pat-time and earn a pittance - it covers childcare, that's about it

lazarusb, well done! And at least if you do't get the offer from 1st choice you have the other to fall back on!

[lazarusb]

Thanks - it's not the course I want but I am more than happy to have received it

[LyingWitchInTheWardrobe2726]

lazarusb... Your interview sounds very promising, doesn't it? Your responses sound great. Keeping my fingers crossed for you... come back and let us know, won't you? :)