To ask for your advice on my primary PGCE interview

[guccigirl666]

Firstly, what to wear?! A friend of a friend had the same interview recently and said she felt over-dressed in a suit. So far I'm thinking a sleeveless blouse with birds on (it is smart- black/white nice material) which I was hoping would show some personality... With a black pencil skirt. I'm stuck regarding a jacket/cardie though.

Also, regarding current educational issues so far I have the MFL being brought into primary schools, curriculum focusing more on maths/english, free schools and the troops to teachers programme. Am I missing anything glaringly obvious?

Thank you!

When talking about the creative approach to maths that is referring to a teacher I observed in a primary school. And with the boys and literacy I have an example of a comic book I designed in my degree (graphic design) to get children to learn about the blind, so it has a 'superhero' theme. Something a bit different... Ahh I really want to include all these points but it will take a while!

Some fascinating thoughts. Be careful how you phrase things and don't forget to state the obvious, as nowhere in what you write do you say that you enjoy working with, or the company of, children. It comes across to an outsider with no prior knowledge of you as rather worthy, which to an interviewer can be a bit scary. I'm sure that this is not the case, but better to risk offending you now than you finding out at interview! It is a very fine line between talking about what you have already done and coming across as thinking you have all the answers.
Go through your presentation and thoughts until you are clear about them all. Speaking answers out loud (when the house is empty!) is a good way of checking how you come across - listen to yourself and try to imagine how you would sound to another.
Good luck!

Thank you SmallSchoolPrimaryTeacher, I will make a point of saying about the company of children, maybe how I relate to them differently since having my ds and feel naturally more concerned with them? Maybe I have been leaning too much towards to side of don't say anything 'samey' or obvious lol. Anything you'd cut? Too long?

Keep it simple.
Why do you want to be a teacher?
I've always enjoyed the company of children........ Since having my ds I have really enjoyed seeing how he learns...... In my job I see the effects of a poor education........ I've really enjoyed the work I've done at xxx making traditionally unexciting tasks fun....... An example of this is..........
Although I enjoy my work at xxx I have realised that I would love to be a primary school teacher..... I now feel ready to undertake the training I need to become a teacher.... The research I have done indicates to me that I need to learn more about...... I know from talking to existing students that this institution......
Something like that.
Also, be prepared for questions about practicalities of studying whilst having a child. Do not underestimate the physical and emotional demands of the course - I trained after working in industry and nobody can prepare you for the rigours. It is, however, the best job in the world when you finally get there!

I'm a primary school teacher, if I can be of any help, ask away :)

Yes I am expecting that question, and I'm not sure what to say apart from going on about prioritising and organsiation. I want to say "I got a 1st in my degree which demonstrates my skills at prioritising etc" but sounds terribly arrogant. This is one of the questions I'm struggling with the most!