English teachers - gibbering wreck needs advice and support...

[LadyGlencoraPalliser]

I've got an interview for Secondary English PGCE on Friday. I want this so badly. I've done a lot of preparation -I worked for six months as a TA in a PRU, I've a couple of weeks observation in a big mainstream comprehensive school, researched the curriculum, know all about APP and AfL, have read lots of books on teaching and learning, behaviour management etc.
What else can I do to prepare/convince them I'll make a good teacher? Are there any current issues that I MUST know about, apart from the obvious: APP, controlled assessment, new GSCE curriculum? Any tips for the interview? I really want to get this right.

Might be worth thinking about some 'bigger picture' questions eg why do you want to teach English (as opposed to science, humanities etc)? What place does English have in the secondary school (think beyond GCSE grade C and above for jobs, college etc, and as 'service' industry for teaching reading and writing)? How might/would you motivate a group of pupils who are not interested in Shakespeare/Poetry/Pre 20th century literature? Why should/would you want to motivate them to read such texts? Who are your favourite, contemporary childrens authors and why?

I expect that, more than APP/AFL/behaviour management/current pedagogy etc, they will want to see a passion for your subject, a real desire to make a difference to the life chances of young people and resilience and a sense of humour so that you can manage all that is about to hit you. These are the things that are harder to learn and read about.

HTH. Good luck

Can't do more than wish you luck & ask if you've been on TES chat, as well.

Good luck.

Thank you both. I have been on TES Barkis, and picked up some useful info. Been looking at lesson plans and resources for English to get a feel for how stuff is taught.
Maclover, thanks, I have made a list of your questions and am putting together possible answers to them. So much to do....

There is really god advice about applicatoins and interviews on the TES website too: community.tes.co.uk/forums/t/290673.aspx Good luck.