Helloooo

I have applied, fairly late in the cycle as I wasn't sure I wanted to do it, for a Music PGCE at Cambridge. They phoned today and asked me to come for interview THIS FRIDAY!

The only problem is, I haven't done any observation in a school, which you are supposed to do before interview, because I applied so late I wanted to leave it til after my dissertation etc was all done, and was therefore intending to organise it for next week or the week after. My dissertation has to be in on Wednesday, and it will take me til then to finish it, so unless I can get someone to let me observe just on thursday, I'm pretty well screwed.

How essential is the observation? Any thoughts/wonderings/advice? Also, if anyone has done/is doing/has applied, any advice on the interview?

Thank ye all

I did my PGCE at Cambridge, but it was the primary PGCE, which is obviously a bit different to the secondary ones. They certainly asked a lot about my experiences in schools and I was expected to be completely up to date on current issues in education (so make sure you've been reading the TES!).

The important thing to remember when going for a PGCE interview is that they're not particularly interested in your subject knowledge. They assume you know all that because you've got a degree in that subject... The PGCE tutors are way more interested in knowing whether you are committed to a teaching career and whether you would be a good teacher. They want to know how enthusiastic you are about your subject, but make it clear how much you would like to TEACH it!

I'm sure if you explain that you haven't had a chance to do any observations yet, they'll understand. Do you have other experiences with working with children that you could talk about? Have you done any workshops etc?

I tried but failed to get a place on the primary PGCE at Cambridge. The interview process involved putting forward a group presentation with the other candidates (we'd only just met), a written test in which we had to respond to an article on education, a presentation about an experience at a school and a one-to-one interview. I quite enjoyedmyself but obviously said the wrong thing. I got the impression that they were looking for a certain type of character. One friend of mine did a secondary PGCE at Cambridge even though she got a third. I think they are more interested in classroom potential than they are in recent academic attainment - even at Cambridge.

Best of luck

hmm... bit late for that with 3 days to go!


Good point, I am fairly convinced I want to teach though, so hopefully that will come across.


I did plenty when I was at school, took a lot of rehearsals, deputised for DoM when busy, helped with younger classes etc, not sure if that counts. I also run a Church Choir, so I have that, although they are all adults. Also I do a lot of amdram, including kiddie shows, and accompanying dance etc, so I am quite happy working with school-age peeps!

Oh dear, we shall see

Ta anyway

EDIT:
really, according to them most of their PGCE applicants have a 1st or 2:1, so to get on with a 3rd she must be good! Thanks

Hey!!

I will be doing the Primary PGCE at Cambridge starting this autumn! I've a place at Hughes.

I'd advise you to make a list of all the qualities/experiences etc. that you can cite in your favour in the interview. Also get hold of a copy of the Times Ed Supplement, or go here. Make a note of current educational issues that interest you, esp. controversial ones (OK, which ones aren't these days?!) and just basically brainstorm so at least you have things you can throw into discussion. Maybe look particularly at what is happening in schools re music, e.g. Music Manifesto. Read the KS 3 & 4 Music National Curriculum syllabus, available online.

I work in a school as an assistant but at the time of interview (December) I hadn't started, though I did have just under a week's worth of experience working in a classroom the previous year. I made a point of saying in my interview that I had this (current) job lined up. Perhaps you could arrange some classroom experience and at least tell them you will be spending time in a classroom shortly because you really do learn so much about what actually goes on and whether or not you think you are suited to life in there.

PM me if you have any questions...

PS Out of interest, where are you doing your degree?

University of East Anglia, Norwich. Thanks for that, that's really helpful. I have got some observing experience [almost] lined up for june, so i'll push that as mush as possible. I was going to make a list of skills etc anyway, but I'll certainly check out the TES and get up to date on some issues. I'm no stranger to the teaching lifestyle as 4 members of my family are teachers (it must be in the genes! except, actually, we're from 3 different genepools... maybe its in the water...).

We must meet for a drink sometime in september

Ta.

Great. Best of luck with the interview. I actually quite enjoyed mine!

congrats! Hughes is lovely, I met someone from Hughes today at a rehearsal.

look me up when you get here!

UPDATE: Interview was yesterday. We started with a group chat, then taught each other to sing songs from memory (I chose three lions on a shirt ), then did a 'group composition excercise'. This was great fun! It was just like the excercises they give to year 8's at school, except we all were at degree level! We had to make a piece about a volcano, with all the usual instruments, glocks, percussion, rainstick etc. What a fun hour. I recommend anyone to apply for this just for the interview day!

Then came lunch, and after that we had individual interviews. This is where I sort of went up a certain creek without the necessary implement. I'm not sure he was too keen on me, but I'll have to wait and see. They should tell me within 2 weeks.

Just thought I'd let u know how it went

I like your choice of song! I'm sure the people at Cambridge would have liked that - nice and relevant and would definitely appeal to kids! I'm sure if you were having fun and enjoying yourself, that will have come across really well.

Fingers crossed!

Thanks Daisy Duck, I thought it was a good song choice! My fingers will be permanently crossed for the next fortnight.

Reading this, sounds like you have the passion, so *fingers crossed* and all the best, whatever happens

Thanks, cheeble. I will!


I'll keep things crossed for you too! Great that you enjoyed it.

Hi!

Please, help me!!!
I have been offered an interview at Cambridge too, but this will be my first interview for a PGCE and I am not sure of what to expect!.
I did my music degree in college, which implies much more practise than anything else..

What did they ask you at the interview? What do you mean with "went up a certain creek without the necessary implement?'
Do you need to bring your certificates?
Did they ask you to do any tests? (Math, essay etc..)...

I am panicking!!! Can you help me??
Did you get in? When did they let you know?

Thank you very much
Looking forward to your reply.
Dslmse

This thread is 5 years old, so I'm not sure if the poster above is still around

I see PGCEs for 2012 are being charged at the full undegrad rate, i.e. GBP9000. That is just bonkers.