YOUR POST 16 INTERVIEW 2017

Post 16 interviews Most schools and colleges will expect you to attend an interview for the Post 16 course or option you have applied for. Some schools or colleges might not ask you to attend an interview. However, they might expect you to attend a welcome type event which is likely to be with other applicants eg Leicester College. The following slides are relevant for Year 11 students who have been invited to an interview with a school or college.

Your interview – important points to remember Make sure you are on time for your interview. Do not be late and do turn up on the date and time given by the post 16 provider that has offered you the interview. If you are going to be late, or are unable to attend for any reason, it is very important that you contact the provider who offered you the interview. Their contact details will be in the letter inviting you to the interview. If you don’t do this you might miss out on the opportunity of an interview at a later date and a possible place on the course, particularly if it is in a popular subject

Your interview Read the interview letter and check - You know where you are going. [Your interview might take place at your own school or you might have to attend an interview on the Post 16 provider premises. Some colleges, apprenticeship providers etc have more than one campus or different entrances] The date and time are OK You can get everything they have asked you to take to the interview Contact them if you are unclear on anything

Your interview Let your school know, particularly if your interview is taking place at the Post 16 provider premises. Arrange transport. Don’t forget to allow plenty of time in case of bus delays, traffic jams etc. Choose suitable clothing – not too casual, but comfortable Read through your UCAS Progress application Prepare your list of questions & answers to any questions you might be asked. Get there 5-10 minutes early

Your interview Take everything along with you that you are asked to in your interview letter. This might include the following: Interview letter Progress File Presenter or similar folder with evidence showing why you are a suitable candidate for the option you have applied for Applicants for Art and Design courses should take along a portfolio of their work from school Some drama and theatre studies courses might include an audition as part of the interview process List of questions Pen Make sure you take along anything else you have been asked for–some colleges might ask you to take along a copy of your passport or birth certificate to the interview

Your interview Reasons for your choice[s] Exam results Courses Facilities Accessibility Family/friends influence Atmosphere or reputation Etc.

Your interview Knowledge about the post 16 option[s] you have chosen – Visited on open day Attended taster days Read the prospectus or information about the option Visited the website Had a tour Member of the family has studied there Talked to other students Etc.

Your interview What you know about the post 16 option[s] you have chosen – The areas covered Type of teaching Assessment methods What it can lead on to Length of course Hours Etc.

Your interview Your choice of career – What you plan to do after the post 16 course or training has ended How the post 16 option you have chosen relates to your career choice Advice needed

Your interview Your school – Favourite subjects (and not so favourite) Why you like/don’t like a subject Your attendance Your reference Your predicted grades How you think you are performing

Your interview The change – What are the differences between school and post 16 learning? How will you cope with these? Why pick a particular type of college or apprenticeship/training? What are you looking forward to? What will you miss?

Your interview Additional areas – Responsibilities at school Sports Hobbies Outside commitments Part-time work Work-experience

Your interview You – How would you describe yourself? What are your qualities? How would you fit in to the college, course, apprenticeship, training etc? How would you cope with the changes? What are you proud of? Do you think you’ll need any support – for learning or financial issues, mentoring etc.?

Your interview If you are advised to take along your Progress File Presenter [or similar folder], use this as much as possible but make sure the evidence you include is up to date and relevant to the option you have applied for Your questions. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification or more information What happens next? Make sure you are clear on when you may get an offer, any criteria you need to meet and what the next step is

Not all interviews are the same! Some Colleges might not invite you for an interview – the invitation might be to a welcome event or group session. Interviews might take place at the school or college offering the Post 16 course OR it will be in your own school. The length of the interview will vary from one school or college to another. The length of the interview isn’t linked to how well you have done during the interview itself. The interview is a 2 way process – it aims to help you to decide if the course or option is the right one for you.