Interview hell!

On Monday I had an interview at the University of East Anglia for a place on their Primary PGCE with French course. I had been dreading it, and my dread was well founded! According to the letter I received, the morning would consist of a conversation in the target language, a written piece in the target language plus an interview, then the afternoon would be an interview, a written piece plus a presentation and group discussion. However, the reality was slightly different!

There were 7 of us for the morning (language) session, and I was the oldest by around 15 years, plus I was the only person wearing a suit! The conversation and interview turned out to be one and the same thing, which threw me somewhat and I ended up blanking when he spoke to me in French. I hope they will realise it was only down to nerves and that I can actually speak French! I think the written task was ok, but given my complete failure on the interview I am no longer very confident.

The afternoon was, I think, better. We were joined by 4 more students for the general PGCE part of the day. I was one of the first in for interview and I think it was ok, but I never know how to interpret the 'hmm, hmm' - is it a good hmm, hmm or a bad hmm, hmm? I managed to answer all the questions, so hope I was saying the right things! I feel as if the book presentation went well - I stuck to my 3 minutes unlike some of the candidates - and joined in the discussion, although admittedly I wasn't the first to speak in the discussion phase unlike the very keen candidate who obviously wanted to stand out. the written task was horrible though - I have no idea if I wrote the right thing.

We were told that if it was a definite no we would hear within 2 weeks, otherwise we would be on a list dependant on the allocation for funding for places. I'm ju't hoping I don't hear anything before Christmas, which would mean I still have a chance!

In other news, it was the last day of term today. Feeling sad as the teacher I work with is leaving to go to another school and I will be working with a supply teacher for next term. There were quite a few tears from the children, but I'm sure they'll soon settle in with a new teacher. Plus I have the opportunity to do some work experience in another school with my former colleague!

Hoping for positive news soon...

A degree at last, plus an interview

Finally, I can say I have a degree! I have received the results of the 3 modules I took this year, and received a pass 2 in my level 3 French and a pass and a distinction in my level 1 German modules. This means that I can claim 3 qualifications from the OU - a Certificate in German, a Diploma in French and a BA (Open). I still need to pass my current Children's Literature module to get the final 60 credits for an Honours degree, but the end is in sight. With my current grades. as long as I get a pass 3 or above for this module, I should still come out with a 2:1, which I will be absolutely delighted with. There is still a lot of work to do though - I'm not finding it to be an easy module as I haven't studied any literature before, but it is interesting, so I'm hoping I can get through it in one piece.

In other news, I have an interview for a place on a Primary PGCE course next week. To say I'm nervous is an understatement! I know I'm not great at interviews, so am doing what I can to try and prepare for the day. Because I am applying for Primary with French, I get a whole day of interviews! French conversation, a French written assessment plus an interview, then the PGCE part - interview, book presentation and group discussion, and another written assessment. This is what the past 3 years have all been about - getting a place on the course to do my teacher training, so there is a lot riding on the interview day.

Must remember to stock up on Rescue Remedy to see me through the day!