PGCE Interview Skills

Overview

This 60-minute session aims to prepare Year 12 students for successful PGCE interviews by developing their ability to articulate experience with medically complex and SEN pupils, particularly a P2 student with ASD, language disorder, and epilepsy. It closely aligns with the National Curriculum for England, focusing on the knowledge, skills, and attributes required for teacher training entry. This personalised focus will highlight essential communication, reflection, and understanding of SEND needs, supporting candidates to showcase their suitability for teacher training.

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National Curriculum Links

While the PGCE interview is a professional pathway, this session aligns with the overarching intent of the National Curriculum for England:

• Personal Development: Emphasises self-presentation, communication, and reflection (Personal Development and Relationships Education framework).
• SEND Awareness: Supports understanding of inclusive education and the appropriate strategies for children with SEND (SEND Code of Practice 2015).
• English Programme of Study: Develops spoken language and clear communication skills at KS5 (Year 12).
• Preparation for Further Study and Employment: Develops articulation of relevant experience and reflective practice required for teacher training.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the session, the student will be able to:

1. Confidently respond to common PGCE interview questions using examples based on experience with a P2 student with ASD, language disorder, and epilepsy.
2. Demonstrate understanding of key SEND teaching principles reflected in personal examples.
3. Exhibit reflective practice by discussing challenges and strategies used in previous SEN support roles.
4. Apply clear, structured communication techniques suitable for PGCE interviews.

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Resources Needed

• Interview question prompts (printed or digital)
• Notes from prior experience working with the P2 student (prepared by the student)
• Whiteboard or flipchart
• Timer
• Video recording device or phone (optional for self-analysis)
• Marked model answers handout

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Lesson Structure

0-10 mins: Introduction and Context Setting

• Briefly review the purpose of the PGCE interview and key competencies sought (communication, reflection, empathy, SEND awareness).
• Introduce the specific context of supporting a P2 pupil with autism spectrum disorder, language disorder, and epilepsy—highlight the importance of real experience and reflective insight in interviews.
• Outline the session’s objectives.

10-25 mins: Exploring Common PGCE Interview Questions

• Present 6 common interview questions typical for PGCE candidates, tailored to SEN experience:

  1. Why do you want to become a teacher and particularly work with children who have additional needs?
  2. Can you describe a time when you adapted your communication style to suit a pupil with special educational needs?
  3. How have you managed a challenging behaviour associated with ASD and what was the outcome?
  4. Tell us about your experience supporting a child with epilepsy in school.
  5. How do you assess and monitor a child’s progress in a special educational setting?
  6. Reflect on a time when you collaborated with teachers or professionals to support the child’s learning or safety.

• Discuss model answers using the student’s experience. For example:

  • “When working with the P2 pupil with ASD, I used clear visual cues and simple language to support understanding, recognising their language disorder. This approach helped de-escalate moments of frustration.”

• Highlight how responses link to the SEND Code of Practice and teacher standards 1, 2, and 5 (Teachers’ Standards 2011).

25-40 mins: Interactive Practice and Feedback

• Conduct one-to-one mock interview rounds using the questions above.
• Encourage full, structured answers emphasising real examples, reflective practice, and understanding of SEND needs.
• Use the timer to build concise, impactful delivery (2-3 mins per question).
• Optionally record answers for playback and self-assessment.

40-55 mins: Reflective Discussion

• Debrief on interview responses: What went well? What could be improved?
• Prompt reflection on how experience supporting the P2 pupil demonstrates readiness for teacher training.
• Address nervousness strategies and positive body language tips.
• Link back to key professional attributes in the Teachers’ Standards, focusing on care, professionalism, and adaptive teaching.

55-60 mins: Summary and Takeaway

• Recap key strategies for answering PGCE interview questions effectively, with emphasis on SEND examples.
• Provide a checklist handout for the student summarising question themes, reflection prompts, and delivery tips.
• Set a personalised follow-up task: Prepare answers for 3 new PGCE questions related to wider classroom experience, maintaining SEND focus.

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Assessment

• Continuous formative assessment during Q&A and mock interviews—feedback on clarity, content relevance, and professionalism.
• Self-assessment via recorded interview reflection or checklist completion.
• Final verbal summary from student demonstrating ability to link experience with interview expectations.

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Extension Ideas (For Advanced Preparation)

• Analyse real published case studies of children with ASD and epilepsy to deepen contextual knowledge.
• Practice drafting written reflective statements linked to SEND experiences, as some PGCE programmes require written submissions in addition to interviews.
• Role-play challenging scenarios from the school environment to sharpen problem-solving answers.

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Final Notes

This session transforms the theoretical National Curriculum emphasis on communication, reflection, and SEND awareness into a practical, personalised interview preparation workshop. It empowers the candidate to articulate their unique experience, demonstrating professionalism and insight—key indicators of future teaching success.