PS2 – Guidance on the mock interview.
During Practical Teaching 1, mentors are requested to conduct a mock job
interview for each trainee as a part of the University’s assessment
requirements for the Secondary PGCE Programme. The formal assignment
has three components; the completion of an application form, the mock
interview and a written reflective element.
Mentors are requested to give feedback using the School Interview
Assessment Form (attached). Trainees will then submit this as evidence that
the mock interview has taken place.
The interview should be based upon the materials produced by the University
of Plymouth in relation to the mythical Ottermouth Community College.
Each interview should last between 20 and 30 minutes. The interviewers
must include during the interview the set question about the choice of the two
items for the professional of portfolio and at least two of the five optional
questions. The balance of questions to be asked is left to the discretion of the
panel.
Assignment Brief taken from Professional Studies Module booklet
The aims of this assignment are:


to give trainees practice in job application and interview technique
to reflect critically on this process and start to prepare a professional portfolio.
In the first part of the assignment, Trainee Teachers are asked to respond to a
job advertisement for a subject post at Ottermouth Community College by the
submission of an application form that includes a statement in support of the
application.
The second part of the assignment involves a mock interview in school in which
both Professional and Subject Mentors will normally be involved. The mock
interview panel will be given a standard set of questions that will be asked of all
Trainee Teachers and will then choose questions tailored to the application and
the subject area. Trainee Teachers should be able to support their answers with
specific references to their experience in schools and their own subject expertise.
At the interview, Trainee Teachers will present two items that form the
beginnings of a professional portfolio. Examples of items include lesson plans,
handouts, examples of pupils’ work. Items must not include anything that was
submitted for T&L1 assignment.
Trainee Teachers should also write a 750 word reflection on the process of
applying for the job, justifying the choice of items for the professional portfolio
and the interview (including the feedback from Professional and/or Subject
Mentors).
The application form, items for the professional portfolio, written feedback from
the interview and reflection are to be submitted by 3pm on 15th February 2012.
The work should be presented on A4 paper with adequate margins on both sides
and secured in a lightweight folder. Work should be word processed and should
show due attention to correct spelling and use of English.
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EPGS414 Prof.Studies 2: 2011 - 12
School Interview Assessment Form
Name of trainee…………………….
Pathway……………………….
Name of school…………………….
Date of interview……………..
Set Question
Please tick the box indicating this question has been asked
Please explain why you chose the two items for your portfolio.
Please ask at least two questions from the following and indicate which have been
asked.
1. What key attributes and skills would you bring to the post?
2. What are the advantages of working as a member of a departmental team?
3. How do you use plenary sessions within your lesson structure?
4. How would you deal with low level disruption in your classes?
5. How do you ensure that pupil progression takes place?
Interview notes (please continue on a separate sheet if necessary)
Trainee’s strengths at interview
Areas for improvement
Signed……………………………….. Role……………………. Date……………….
Please give this completed form to the trainee after their debriefing for
them to include in their submission for PS2. Thank you.
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EPGS414 Prof.Studies 2: 2011 - 12