Undergraduate and Postgraduate Primary Education Interviews

Once you have applied for one of our Primary Education courses* and if you have been shortlisted, you will be invited for an interview. 

Courses: BA (Hons) Primary Education, PGCE Primary Education and PGCE Primary with Mathematics.

*If you have applied for a postgraduate School Direct course you may be required to have a school visit, in addition to an interview, requested directly from the School Direct Alliance you have applied for - you will be informed of this via e-mail if this is the case. 

Interview method: Interviews will be On-Campus for HOME students and only Online for INTERNATIONAL applicants for those wishing to start in 2024.

On Campus: The Samuel Johnson (WN) Building, Walsall Campus, WS1 3BD.  Directions can be found here.

Interview preparation- Important Information

Pre-interview tasks required:

  • Have a form of identification (e.g. passport, driving licence, etc.) ready to present on arrival.

As part of the interview process, we ask you to prepare for some of the questions you will be asked. Your level of preparation for these tasks helps us make a decision on your suitability for the course and supports our vision for all of our trainee teachers to be informed, inspiring and influential.

  • Early Reading:

    Please choose a children’s book that would be suitable for either Key Stage 1 or 2 children and think about:

    • why you have chosen this book;
    • why it is suitable for a particular key stage;
    • how you would use this book to support learning in a key stage or specific year group.

    Please ensure you have a copy of this as you will be asked to read a short section of this book to a small group. Local libraries have a range of suitable children’s books so you do not need to buy the book if you don’t have it.  

  • Behaviour:

    Please read the article titled: ‘The Beginning Teacher’s Behaviour Toolkit’ written by Tom Bennett – find link below:

    https://tombennetttraining.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Tom_Bennett_summary.pdf

    There will be questions asked about the specific proactive behaviour management strategies outlined in this article. Please note, you are allowed to make brief notes and bring them to the interview.

  • Safeguarding:

    Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility.  It is essential that everybody working in a school understands their safeguarding responsibilities; this includes being aware of the process you should follow if a child tells you they are being abused, exploited or neglected. You will be asked to discuss this.

  • Fundamental British Values:

    We would advise you to take time researching and becoming more familiar with the Fundamental British Values as part of the preparation for this interview as it will aid you with an independent task we will ask you to complete.

  • Inadequate preparation for these interview tasks will form the basis of rejection regarding your application for this course.
  • If you require any special arrangements for your interview, please do let us know so we can ensure reasonable adjustments are made.
  • Do you know enough about the course you have applied for? Research information about the course, and the Primary curriculum and visit our open days or postgraduate open evenings where you can come and speak to our staff and students www.wlv.ac.uk/opendays.

  • Please arrive in good time for your interview. There are refreshment facilities on campus and if you are accompanied to your interview, your guest is welcome to use these whilst you have your interview.
  • At the start of the interview, you must show a form of picture ID as proof of who the interviewer is talking to. Acceptable documents include a passport, driving license, college ID badge, etc. (please note we do not accept copies).
  • For our Home applicants, the interview on campus will include a group task, an independent task, and an interview with one of our Primary Education lecturers or school partners.
  • The process will take approximately 2 hours and you will have an opportunity to view the campus after the interview if you would like.
  • For International applicants, your interview link will be sent on the day of your interview so you know the exact time of your interview, which will either be sometime between 9:30am-12:30pm or 1:30-4:30 pm.

After attending your interview, you will be notified on whether or not you’ve passed within 3-5 working days. If you are successful, your offer will be confirmed within 14 working days.

If you’re unsuccessful, you may be made an alternative offer on another course that we think you are suitable for. Find out more.

If you’re unable to attend your interview, you can amend your date/time via e:Vision up to 72 hours before your interview. If you’re unable to attend less than 72 hours before, please contact us by email or phone as soon as possible. Find out how to amend your appointment here.

Please note if you fail to notify us that you’re unable to attend, your application will be rejected.

Contact us via e-mail - educationinterviews@wlv.ac.uk.