Congratulations on being invited to an in-person interview!
We are delighted to invite you to an interview for the Primary Education with QTS course at the University of Worcester.
- Primary Education with QTS course overview
- Key features
- Preparing for your interview
- On the day
- After the interview
The University of Worcester has a strong reputation for delivering high-quality innovative and contemporary teacher training.
If you have any questions ahead of your interview, you can contact the team at admissionsb@worc.ac.uk
Course overview
We ask that you look at the short presentation below which outlines the course structure.
Key Features
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) when you complete the course.
- Specialise in either 3-7 or 5-11 year-olds.
- The opportunity to carry out high quality placements in different schools to provide a broad yet personalised experience.
- Exceptional personal and academic support throughout the three years and beyond.
- Taught by expert lecturers and supported by experienced primary school teachers.
- Opportunities to engage in a diverse range of additional opportunities to enhance your development.
- Strong partnership with schools across a wide area to support your development as a teacher.
- This course will provide you with the knowledge and understanding required to teach all subjects within the National Curriculum.
- A placement in a non-educational setting to gain in- sight into the skills, knowledge and working of other education-based professionals.
- School based research project into a specialist curriculum area in the third year.
- An emphasis on mental health and wellbeing for all.
"Whilst studying at the University of Worcester I have achieved more than I thought was possible. The support from all lecturers, the outstanding facilities and the number of extra opportunities has allowed me to excel as a student and reach my full potential as a primary school teacher."
Trainee
Preparing for your interview
The information below will help you to prepare for your interview.
At interview you will be asked to respond to a variety of questions from a tutor and will be expected to demonstrate:
- A commitment to teaching and reasons for wanting to teach
- An understanding of the role of a teacher
- Self-evaluation and personal reflection skills
- A commitment to and an understanding of the demands of a teacher training course
- A passion, enthusiasm and love for learning
- An understanding of professionalism and also safeguarding in education
- An understanding of how a teacher uses key English, Maths and communication skills.
There are 2 tasks to prepare for your interview
1. Book Task:
Please select a children’s book you would share with a Year 2 class to bring with you to your online interview. You need to be prepared to read a short section of the book as you would to a class of pupils and discuss your choice of book. You should be prepared to answer the following questions:
- Please explain why you have chosen this book.
- What skills or knowledge do you envisage that the children will gain from reading this book?
2. Reflecting on research:
Please read the Tom Bennett summary.pdf for behaviour management. Come to the interview prepared to talk about your thoughts and reflections on the document and consider the implications for your practice as a trainee teacher.
You may also find it useful to look at the Core Content Framework (CCF) (Department for Education, 2019) and the Teachers’ Standards.
There is further information about the course available on our Primary Education with QTS course page which we recommend you look at prior to your interview too.
There will also be some forms and qualifications you need to upload ahead of attending the interview. You will be sent an email from our Admissions teams with a copy of the Self Declaration/Interview upload checklist and a document with upload links. Upload links last for 7 days but can be re-sent by Admissions if they expire; please use the link to submit the following documents:
- A completed self-declaration form
- GCSE (or equivalent) Certificates for Maths, Science and English Language
- Qualifications you may already have at Level 3 or above.
If you can no longer make the interview, please login to Bookings and amend your interview to select a new date. Alternatively, If your plans have changed and you no longer wish to be considered for a place, please login to Bookings and cancel your appointment, this will opt you out of any further booking reminders.
"Our lecturers support us to be the best teachers we can be, emphasising and appreciating everyone’s individual strengths, skills and ideas."
Trainee
On the day
What to bring
You will be having a one-to-one interview with one of our tutors. You’ll need to show photographic ID at your interview, such as a driving licence or passport.
Please bring a children’s book of your choice that you would share with a Year 2 class and any notes you wish to bring around the research document.
It’s a good idea to bring a pen and paper along, in case you want to make any notes or jot down any questions.
If you’re planning to drive to the interview, you can print out a parking permit to display in your car for free parking on the day.
Arrival information
Your interview will take place at our medical centre (WR2 5SJ).
We recommend aiming to arrive around 30 minutes before your interview, to allow enough time park, find your way to the building and sign in ahead of your interview.
If you’re driving to campus, please ensure your parking permit is visible for free parking. Download your parking permit.
During busy periods car parking can be limited on campus, so arriving early to find a space will help ensure you have plenty of time to find a space.
Once you’ve arrived at the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Building, please make your way to the Main Reception, just a few minutes’ walk from any of our car parks on the campus, where you’ll see a PITE Interview desk. One of our friendly student ambassadors will meet you there, sign you in and take you to the right area.
Once you’ve arrived on campus, please make your way to our Main Reception, where you’ll see a Primary Education with QTS Interview desk. One of our friendly student ambassadors will meet you there, sign you in and take you to the right room.
Format for the day
There will be three main elements to your interview:
- Completion of a research task (please see preparing for your interview)
- Completion of a book task (please see preparing for your interview)
- An individual interview with a member of our Teaching staff. At this, you will be asked to respond to a variety of questions.
You will be expected to demonstrate:
- An understanding of the expectations of the role of a teacher
- Self-evaluation and personal reflection skills
- A commitment to and an understanding of the demands of the course and teaching profession
- A passion, enthusiasm, and love for learning
- An awareness of current educational initiatives/priorities
- An understanding of the professional expectations of a trainee teacher
You’ll also have the opportunity to ask the Primary Education team any questions you have at the end of the interview too.
It’s a good idea to have a pen and paper with you, in case you want to make any notes or jot down any questions.
"The knowledgeable and supportive lecturers help to build a wonderful course that allows us to qualify as unique, individual teachers who feel inspired to encourage all children in our care to achieve their full potential."
Trainee
After the interview
If you have had a successful interview, you will be informed usually within 3-5 working days via email. Please note it can take up to 7 days for UCAS to update.
Entry Requirements
Successful candidates will be informed by UCAS of the offer conditions. You can view a full list of Entry Requirement information on the Primary Education with QTS course webpage. In addition to the academic requirements, all offers will contain the following conditions:
- Satisfactory Medical Clearance
- Enhanced Disclosure by the Disclosure and Barring Service
Our Admissions department will send Medical Questionnaires and Enhanced Disclosure application forms to all applicants who have chosen the University of Worcester as a Firm (first) choice.