Essential preparation for your on campus interview: BA (Hons) Primary Early Years Education with QTS
This page has been created to give you all the information you need to prepare for your on campus interview. It is essential that you read all the sections carefully. Please note for this course we’re offering online and on campus interviews. Please make sure you’re reading the right guidance for the interview you have been allocated as there will be differences.
Important information
- You will be required to attend the University – your interview will be conducted face-to-face, on campus.
- You should be able to view the date and time of your interview on UCAS Hub. If you cannot, please contact our Admissions Team at: [email protected]
- You need to confirm that you will attend your interview via UCAS Hub.
- Please find our online campus map for your reference
- If you are planning to drive to the Campus, then please aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before your sign in time. This should enable you to park your car (in Car Park C – see online map) and walk to the registration point (the foyer in ‘the Faculty of Education: Lakeside’ – see online map).
- You will need to display your parking notice clearly on your dashboard. Please download your copy, print and bring this with you.
What we’re looking for
The interview has been structured to enable you to demonstrate your commitment to becoming a teacher and your enthusiasm for education. You need to show that you can engage in discussion, contributing both as a speaker and as a listener. You will also be given the opportunity to demonstrate the contribution that you could make to the programme and, ultimately, to the education of children.
Throughout the interview process we will be looking for you to demonstrate:
- a commitment to and enthusiasm for working with children,
- strong verbal and written communication skills,
- the personal attributes and values required to train as a teacher,
- the ability to reflect on experiences and the learning taken from these.
Our aim at interview is to be able to identify the highest quality candidates. Therefore, performance in all aspects of the interview will be taken into consideration:
- Interview tasks (including the written, maths and group tasks)
- Individual interview
Things to do before your interview
It is essential that you:
- dress appropriately. You should present yourself as a future professional.
- have read all the information on this webpage and made a note of the items you need to have with you and any questions that you want to ask during your interview.
- have thought about, and can explain, why you want to teach children in the Early Years age range.
- have familiarised yourself with current educational issues. Useful publications include:
- The Guardian Educational Supplement (published on Tuesday)
- The Independent Educational Supplement (published on Thursday)
- The TES magazine (published on Friday)
- Appropriate websites include:
What to expect on the day of your interview
- You should allow approximately 3 hours for the interview process.
- You will be invited to either a morning OR afternoon interview session. The table below outlines the structure of the interview process but this may slightly vary on the day:
| Morning Session | Morning Session |
|---|---|
| 8.30am | Sign in at Registration Point* |
| 8.45am – 9.30am | Welcome and instructions |
| 9.30am – 11am | Tasks and Interview take place |
| 11am – 12pm | Take qualifications to Admissions: building 4 on map. Optional Campus Tour |
| Afternoon Session | Afternoon Session |
|---|---|
| 12.30pm | Sign in at Registration Point* |
| 12.45pm -1.30pm | Welcome and instructions |
| 1.30pm – 3pm | Tasks and Interview take place |
| 3pm – 4pm | Take qualifications to Admissions: building 4 on map. Optional Campus Tour |
The interview will consist of different parts:
- A written task: you will be asked to complete a short, written task whereby you need to answer a given question (pens and paper will be provided).
- A Maths task: you will answer a series of Maths-related questions. Please bring a device (eg mobile phone) which allows you to scan a QR code.
- A group task: you will be required to discuss something related to a Early Years classroom, as part of a group.
- An individual interview: you will be required to answer a series of questions designed to assess your suitability for the course.
- An optional self-guided campus tour: you will have the opportunity to wander round our beautiful and stunning campus.
- There are several food outlets across the campus available for you (and anyone else who may accompany you on the day) to purchase refreshments.
What to have with you on the day
Any questions?
We look forward to meeting you at your interview.
If you have any questions or special requirements that you would like to discuss with us prior to your interview you can contact us in the following ways: