Skip Navigation
Applicants
In this section

Essential preparation for your online interview: PGCE Secondary Science (Biology) with QTS

This page has been created to give you all the information you need to prepare for your online interview. It is essential that you read all of the sections carefully.

Important information

  • There will be no requirement for you to attend the University at this time – your online interview will be conducted remotely using Blackboard Collaborate.
  • You should now have received an email from our Admissions Team with the date and time of your interview along with your individual Blackboard Collaborate link. If you do not think you have received this, please contact our Admissions Team [email protected]
  • You need to confirm that you will be available for your interview by completing our Interview Reply Form.
  • You should allow approximately 50 minutes for the online interview process.
  • The interview has been structured in such a way as to enable you to demonstrate your commitment to becoming a teacher and your enthusiasm for your subject and education more generally. You need to be able 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, personally, could make to the PGCE programme and, ultimately, to the education of children and young adults.

How to use Blackboard Collaborate

  • You can join your online interview on any device – PC, tablet or smartphone, and we would advise using Chrome or Firefox as your browser. Please ensure your browser is fully up to date.
  • If you would prefer to access the session in the Blackboard App please download the app called Blackboard Collaborate TM Mobile, which, using Google Chrome as your browser, you can find in your normal app store.
  • If you experience any technical issues, please visit the help page.
  • Your online interview link can be accessed 10 minutes before the start of your interview. Please follow the steps below:
  1. Open the link in your browser
  2. You will then be able to see the session you are joining and there is a place for you to type your name. Please ensure you type your full name and select ‘Join Session’.
  3. Each session will be hosted by a member of Edge Hill University staff, they may not be in the online room when you join, however please stay online.
  4. You can join with your camera and microphone switched off and you will be advised by the member of staff when it is time to switch them on.

Things to do before your online interview

It is essential that you:

  • have your individual Blackboard Collaborate link. Please contact our Admissions Team [email protected] if you have not received this.
  • dress appropriately. You are not expected to be in formal wear, however you should present yourself as a future professional.
  • have read all the information on this preparation page and made a note of the items you need to have with you and any questions that you want to ask during your online interview.
  • have read the subject specific information below containing the details relating to your subject specialism.
  • have thought about, and can explain, why you want to teach children and young adults from the secondary age range and, in particular, why you wish to teach your particular subject.
  • have read educational publications to familiarise yourself with current educational issues. Useful publications include:
    • The Guardian Educational Supplement (published on Tuesday)
    • The Independent Educational Supplement (published on Thursday)
    • The Times Education Supplement (published on Friday)
  • have visited appropriate websites such as
  • have read and understood the below information regarding ‘Training in Educational Settings’ to enable you to answer the question ‘are you willing to accept a placement anywhere?’ If you are unable to agree to accept a placement anywhere you will be required to give clear details as to the reason(s). A member of the interview will record your responses.

Training in educational settings

The Partnership team will source all ITT practices.

  • You will be expected to travel to your professional practices, and you must be prepared to travel some distance. You will be expected to drive or travel on public transport to your placement.
  • We do provide, in some instances, reimbursement for travel to and from training. Please see the Faculty travel policy for more details.
  • We have training partnership arrangements in a range of locations including the North West, the North East, Staffordshire, Cheshire, the West Midlands including Shropshire and London. We expect that you will approach each practice with a flexible and conscientious attitude, acting with integrity and commitment. We will ensure that we take into consideration your personal circumstances and needs.

All contact with practice schools is made formally via the Faculty of Education’s ITT Partnership Team; trainees should not contact schools directly to arrange practices.

Subject specific tasks to do before your online interview

To ensure that you are prepared for your interview, please read the following information carefully as it outlines the structure of your interview and there are also tasks that you need to complete prior to your online interview.

Your interview will consist of three main elements:

‘This is my subject knowledge’ video

Prior to your interview we would like you to record a short video (3 minutes) demonstrating how you would teach Key Stage 3 pupils about plant and animal cells. The video should be in the style of a ‘talking head’ where you present directly to the camera, not a presentation (such as a PowerPoint). This is not a test of your filming and editing skills so please don’t spend a long time preparing this. This is an opportunity for you to demonstrate:

  • Subject knowledge*
  • An understanding of key concepts in your subject
  • An understanding of skills and application in your subject
  • An awareness of debates and issues in your subject in the sphere of education

*Subject dependant you might consider demonstrating this practically

This is also an opportunity to demonstrate your creative ideas and to show how well you communicate with others. In some instances, the video will also allow tutors to identify those applicants who may require a Subject Knowledge Course (SKE) as part of their offer conditions (where such courses are available).

How well you use and engage with technology will not be assessed.

Please note, you are required to email your video to [email protected] at least two full working days in advance of your interview, clearly labelled with your full name and date of birth.

How to upload your video

Google Drive

On your phone, computer or tablet, open the Google Drive app on Google Play, the App Store, or website. Click Add then click Upload. Find and click the files you want to upload. You can view uploaded files in My Drive until you move them. Share the file via email.

YouTube

Create an account if you do not have one already. Sign in to your account on the App or by website and select the upload button. Drag and drop or select the file to upload. Enter description, tags, and privacy information. Share the video to social media. Send the video link via email.

WeTransfer

Go to the WeTransfer website. Select your video file to upload. Enter the email address you want to send to and your email address. Enter text description and then press the transfer button to send your video. The file will begin transferring and will say transfer complete when this has been done. You should receive a confirmation email confirming that your video has been received.

You will only have to upload your video to one of these options. There are various online guides and YouTube videos that can advise you on how to upload your video.

Subject Knowledge Audit

Prior to the interview you are required to complete a Subject Knowledge Audit.

Download and complete your Subject Knowledge Audit here

This is not a test but a way to assess your areas of strength and development with regards to the current Science curriculum. Please note, you are required to email your Subject Knowledge Audit to [email protected] at least two full working days in advance of your interview, clearly labelled with your full name and date of birth.

Your online interview

You are advised to prepare for your interview by:

  • Looking at the KS3 and KS4 National Curriculum Programme of Study for Science
  • Exploring examples of GCSE examinations for Science and identify areas for further development in your subject knowledge.
  • Considering how you will address areas identified as needing development from your Subject Knowledge Audit.

What to have with you

Photographic ID

Please have to hand your original photographic ID (i.e. current valid passport or photo-card driving licence). Your ID will be checked prior to the start of the process. If you do not have suitable ID on the day, you may not be able to take part in the online interview and will have to reschedule for an alternative date.

If you have any questions about your ID please contact our Admissions Team via email to [email protected] prior to your online interview.

Additional supporting evidence

If you have any additional supporting evidence (i.e. additional references, evidence of work experience, etc) that you would like to show, please email this to the Admissions Team prior to your online interview: [email protected]

Original certificates

Please note: Collection of certificate/qualifications will only be requested if you are successful at interview and we will withhold the offer until we have verification of your original certificates.

  • Bachelor Degree Certificate or official Transcript. If you  hold a Masters or PhD please have these with you as well.
  • GCSE qualifications – particularly Mathematics and English Language at grade c or grade 4 or above, or equivalent qualifications.
  • If you are currently studying towards the above qualifications you will be asked to provide these as soon as the results are available.
  • If you have changed your name since the certificates were issued, please provide evidence of your name change (e.g. marriage certificate, change of name deed poll etc).

What we are looking for

During the interview process we will be looking for you to demonstrate:

  • A commitment to and enthusiasm for working with children and/or young people
  • Strong 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

Any questions?

We look forward to meeting you for your online 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: