If you've applied to study either age phase Primary Education degree and have met the entry criteria, you will be invited to attend an interview. Once you have completed your interview, we will be able to make a decision about your offer.
We are currently conducting all our Primary Education interviews in person.
Depending on which date you've booked, your interview will take place on either a Wednesday afternoon or on a Saturday morning or afternoon. Please re-check your confirmation email carefully and use the correct timetable below for your interview.
Go to the main reception when you arrive, where you’ll register and be allocated a group for the day. You’re more than welcome to bring a guest or parent along with you – we’ve included sessions for them for while you’re in your interview.
Some refreshments will be provided, please get in contact with SROhello@leedstrinity.ac.uk if you have any dietary requirements.
| Time | Group Activity | Parents and Guests |
|---|---|---|
| 1.30pm to 2.00pm | Registration | |
| 2.00pm to 2.30pm | Department Welcome | |
| 2.30pm to 3.30pm | Interview | Information Lounge for Guests |
| 3.30pm to 4.00pm | Campus and Accommodation Tour | |
| Time | Group One | Group Two | Parents and Guests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9.15am to 9.30am | Registration and lunch | ||
| 9.30am to 10.00am | Welcome Talk | ||
| 10.00am to 11.00am | Interview |
The Leeds Trinity approach to Primary Education |
Parent Information session |
| 11.15am to 12.15pm |
The Leeds Trinity approach to Primary Education |
Interview | The Leeds Trinity approach to Primary Education |
| 12.20pm to 12.50pm | Campus tour and refreshments | ||
| Time | Group One | Group Two | Parents and Guests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12.30 to 1.00pm | Registration and lunch | ||
| 1.00pm to 1.30pm | Welcome Talk | ||
| 1.30pm to 2.00pm | Interview | The Leeds Trinity approach to Primary Education | Parent Information session |
| 2.45pm to 3.45pm |
The Leeds Trinity approach to Primary Education |
Interview | The Leeds Trinity approach to Primary Education |
| 3.50pm to 4.20pm | Campus tour and refreshments | ||
Preparing for your interview
At the start of your interview, you’ll be invited to do a ‘show-and-tell’ with an object that you’ve brought in. This object can be anything at all, as long as you can use it to help explain your interests in becoming a teacher and the qualities and skills you think you possess that would help you to become a great teacher.
An example of this would be an elastic band. An elastic band is flexible and can bend and adjust to different contexts, as a teacher must. It helps keep things tidy and organised, which is an essential skill of the teacher. Elastic bands come in all shapes, colours and sizes, like children, which a teacher must understand and be able to meet the needs of different children.
This example is to illustrate the task and to help you prepare, but we strongly encourage you to bring in your own object. This section of the interview is very personal, so you need to think carefully about the object you bring and how you wish to represent yourself. Not everyone is an elastic band!
When you’re preparing for this, think about the attributes and skills that primary teachers possess, such as creativity, imagination and enthusiasm. You’ll only need to speak for about a minute and a half and it will be very informal – we’re not looking for a presentation, but just another opportunity for you to share your passion.
We won't be judging you on what object you bring, so don't worry too much about this. The main thing we're looking for throughout these tasks is that your demonstrate a passion for teaching.
Teaching is very interactive, so after your ‘show and tell’ you’ll take part in a group discussion that gives you the chance to present your ideas as an individual, while also dealing with group dynamics.
Your discussion will be based on the following topics:
- What do you know about current educational issues facing primary education today?
- What challenges are you likely to encounter as a teacher and how would you cope with them?
- What characteristics do pupils want their teachers to possess?
We’re looking for good communication skills and passion, as well as your ability to respond to the topics with your own thoughts and ideas. We’re not testing you on your ability to memorise your ideas off by heart – we encourage you to bring any notes or materials that will support your discussions.
Your ideas may be similar to other applicants, but that’s okay – we’re more interested in your individual contributions, the passion you display and the questions you ask. We’ll also be looking at how well you involve yourself in the discussion – good teachers know how to listen and respond.
Teachers need to use non-verbal communication techniques as well, so make sure you demonstrate to us that you are interested in what others might say, that you show that you are listening to others and that you speak clearly.
There will be a Leeds Trinity University staff member and a teacher from one of our partner schools with you during the session, whose role is to facilitate the discussion and observe.
We won't be judging you on the ideas you share, so don't worry too much about this. The main thing we're looking for throughout these tasks is that your demonstrate a passion for teaching.
On the day:
Before your interview
You will find it useful to do a bit of research about the topics. We encourage you to make and use any notes or materials that will support your discussions. Please also draw on your experience of working with primary aged children in any capacity.
What if I can’t make the interview?
If you are no longer available for your interview, or you’re running late, please contact us on 0113 283 7123 or email ITTadmissions@leedstrinity.ac.uk.
Top tips from our Primary Education team
Be calm
The interview is not designed to trick you or catch you out; instead, it’s a safe, friendly and relaxed environment for you to share your passion for teaching with a lecturer. We can’t wait to talk to you, so try and relax and smile and this will come through to the interviewer.
Be prepared
Prepare ideas for each question – you will not be able to include everything but try to have some key areas to cover so you can be clear and succinct. Read everything we’ve sent you very carefully – including your interview invitation and confirmation email. These are designed to give you everything you need to prepare, so check that you understand what will happen and what’s being asked of you.
Be passionate
Great teachers are passionate. They’re passionate about learning and about inspiring others to love learning. They’re passionate about making a difference to the lives of young children and shaping the next generation. Your interview is your chance to showcase the passion you have for a career in teaching and everything that involves.
Be professional
Think about the qualities of good teachers and how you can demonstrate these. It doesn’t matter what you wear as we won’t see it but try to engage professionally and think about how well you articulate yourself when speaking to others. And it goes without saying, but make sure you’re on time and your phone is on and charged.
Be knowledgeable
Showing that you have an opinion on the discussion topics is great, but make sure that you can back this up with your own experience or research. Doing your research is really important – you can use various sources to find out more about each discussion topic. The Times Educational Supplement, BBC Education and Guardian Education are all good online sources to start with.
Be interested and engaged
Your interviewer may ask you questions about your ideas so be prepared to discuss them and link them to any experiences you have working with children (this may or may not be in a primary classroom).
Got a question?
If you have any questions about Primary Education interviews or the admissions process, please contact the admissions team on 0113 283 7123 or ITTadmissions@leedstrinity.ac.uk.
Getting to campus
Leeds Trinity University
Horsforth
Leeds
LS18 5HD
Car parking on campus is free on all our Interview Days. If the car park gets full, alternative parking can be found at Yarnbury Rugby Club, which is only a few minutes' walk from campus.
If you're coming to an interview using public transport, find out the different ways to get to campus on our contact and find us page.