Hibernia Higher diploma in Post primary Education Interview!

Melissa Ann

Hi everyone =]
Im new to this so I am not to sure if I am doing his right but here goes!
I have just started filling out my application form for the Hibernia Hdip in Post primary education today. I'm not the best at interviews though so I was just wondering if anyone has done it recently and would have any advice for me? I only know people who have done the primary teaching one and from what I have heard its a little different! I would be so grateful for any help =]
Thanks

bonnie2013

Hi Melissa,

I have only just joined boards.ie and I am probably a bit late to help you with your query but maybe you can help me with mine...? I applied to Hibernia for spring 2013 intake and I have my interview Monday 18th Feb, I am getting very nervous about it as it is almost 3 years since I finished college. So I am wondering did you get called for an interview and if so how did it go?? Any help or tips would be gratefully appreciated..
Thanks..

Platnium

Hi Bonnie 2013,

I've done a few interviews with the various colleges so far this year and I would say that Hibernia seemed to be the most professional (Did it this week). There are 3 interviewers and mine made be feel at ease straight away, their job is basically to see that you know your subject but more importantly about class room management.
My interviewers knew their stuff pretty well and therfore the questions were more directed as I answered the previous question. They asked me how I prepared for the interview, different classroom senarios a little about my subjects, IT use in classroom and differences in student behaviours in the last few years. Hope this helps - btw I received an offer a few days later and I'm now starting in March

liz123

Hi there

I'm new to boards.ie never put anything up here before but I'm wondering does anyone know anywhere I could go for interview coaching specifically related to preparing for a post grad in Education. I have an interview in UL

Thanks!

Swiper the fox

liz123 wrote: »

Hi there

I'm new to boards.ie never put anything up here before but I'm wondering does anyone know anywhere I could go for interview coaching specifically related to preparing for a post grad in Education. I have an interview in UL

Thanks!

What course in UL is it? I didn't think there was a teaching post grad there.

I was offered a place in the Hibernia primary course recently, if anyone still wants any advice ask here,

By the way is there a thread or forum dealing with Hibernia?

liz123

Hi there

It's specifically for business graduates

http://www2.ul.ie/web/WWW/Services/Research/Graduate_School/Prospective_Students/Graduate_Programmes/Taught_Programmes/Education_&_Health_Sciences/Business

loveofliving

I am hoping to start this course in October. How have you been finding it?

Could you give me some information on the course structure if you start in October, i.e what actually happens in October when you start, is there an immediate week of class or something or when is the first time you've to do something like that? Also when exactly are the three teaching practice blocks? Really need to know all this before I tell my employer...

Thanks in advance

xxxxlornaxxxx

Hi all,

I know this may be a VERY silly question but I have just applied for the Post Primary Course as of this month! See, the thing is I am due to start a masters in UL this September but had a slight meltdown as I was only doing a masters really to get extra points for the NUI colleges. So, having spent a year teaching abroad I am now in a situation where I just want my qualification!

The question I'm asking therefore is what is the likelihood of getting a place in the October 2013 cohort? Slim to none I'd imagine. I applied in a panic because I know I REALLY want to be a teacher, has been the only thing I have wanted to do all my life but my route is so backwards mainly because I struggled in second year and just missed out on a 2:1 by like a decimal at the final hurdle!

I'd appreciate any advice because as you can imagine I'm in a weird situation.

SineadC2013

Hi Lorna,

I too am applying for October 2013 post primary. I have my interview on Monday. But, I don't understand your post very well. Why would you think your chances are slim to none?

xxxxlornaxxxx

Hi Sinead,

I suppose I'm just a bit on the nervous side because I only sent in my application in late July and I presume there were people sending in applications for months! Also, English is a popular subject and the places may not be available :-(

Very best of luck in your interview.

SineadC2013

Aw I don't think you should be worrying at all. I sent mine on July 12th and my first subject is English also. Although, maybe I'm far too relaxed. I rang in early July and they hadn't even started interviewing at that stage. Have you received your interview date?

SineadC2013

Also, if you don't get a space on this cohort but they think you are suitable, they will give you a place on the March cohort.

xxxxlornaxxxx

I know but this is where the problem lies! I'm starting my Masters in four weeks :-/ If I got the October cohort I could pull out of the Masters but by Spring I'd have the majority of it finished. I think I'll just wait with baited breath at the end of the phone for my interview and hope for the best.

Also, I think I just got super nervous because my best friend applied and was accepted for Primary back in May. I suppose that it why it seems like just a pipe dream. But then again that is primary. Have you been preparing for the interview?That's another thing I'm nervous about(OK I need to relax haha).

xxxxlornaxxxx

I know but this is where the problem lies! I'm starting my Masters in four weeks :-/ If I got the October cohort I could pull out of the Masters but by Spring I'd have the majority of it finished. I think I'll just wait with baited breath at the end of the phone for my interview and hope for the best.

Also, I think I just got super nervous because my best friend applied and was accepted for Primary back in May. I suppose that it why it seems like just a pipe dream. But then again that is primary. Have you been preparing for the interview?That's another thing I'm nervous about(OK I need to relax haha).

SineadC2013

You definitely do need to relax... I'm sure you'll do great in it Although, I can see your concerns about the masters. Well, you'll definitely have an interview date within the next week I reckon and the interview isn't too long after. Then, from what I've heard, they let you know pretty quickly so I'm sure it'll all be over and done with within 3-4 weeks. I haven't heard of any refusals for secondary so far. Have you? But, I know you can't go by that.

I'm preparing for interview as we chat lol. I'm just kind of writing out sample questions from other posters like why I want to be a teacher, classroom management, ICT and familiarizing myself with the curriculums etc. My other subject is Geography. What's yours?

xxxxlornaxxxx

Yes yes-deep breaths! :-) Hopefully I have been doing bits and pieces of prep but nothing too hectic so I must get myself into gear. Ya I've never heard of refusals either so there is hope! I wonder what the subject specific section will be like? I have been out of college nearly twelve months and that is also a terrifying prospect.

My other subject is History. So I'm the classic English and History graduate-spirited and hopeful but practically unemployable ;-) ...But sure I'll have to get some form of qualification before I can even begin to think along those lines.

Good luck with all the prep let me know how your interview went (although I don't know if my nerves will be able to handle it haha)

SineadC2013

I know - I'm wondering will it be very specific? I haven't done my LC since 2006 :-/ And out of college 4 years.
Yeah, I'm not even going to think about employment prospects. Like yourself, it's what I've always wanted to do so it'll work itself out after.
Thanks a million - will surely let you know how it goes!

SineadC2013

Hi Lorna,
Well I'm just home from the interview and it was totally fine. I had my subject specific one first. There was a woman asking questions about English for ten minutes and a man asking questions about Geography for ten minutes and they were lovely and really made you feel at ease. In English she asked me what was my favourite module in College and how would I incorporate it into a transition year class. She asked me why I thought so many students hated poetry and what poet would I begin with and what is my favourite poem. She asked me about ICT and English and how the two are connected.
In the general interview they asked me why I want to be a teacher, what did I do to prepare for the interview, how do I get the attention of a class of 13year old students and some situations regarding bad behavior and what would I do. Also, what would I do if I were Ruairi Quinn and what changes would I make.
It flew by!
Hope that helps a little

xxxxlornaxxxx

HI Sinead,

I have only just come across your reply now as I was just logging in to tell you that I've got my interview date and it's this THURSDAY!! So up at all hours preparing as I only found out on Monday. It was a cancellation and I can't go next week so I had to go this week. Don't feel prepared at all. But your sample questions have been fantastic. At the moment I would get flustered on each and every one of them but I have another 24 hours so hopefully by the end of all this I will feel some what capable. They were nice then ya? Did they primarily focus on your 1st choice subject as in English or did they have a balanced approach to each subject? I feel like I have a thousand questions but sure! I think I will still be studying away on the train up! hahaha

Thanks so much for all the advice. You're a star!

I'll have my fingers and toes crossed for you and for myself!

SineadC2013

Hey Lorna,

Well I think it may be a good thing that you have it tomorrow as waiting for it was torture and really there's only so much preparation you can do. I mean, you very much steer the interview yourself. Like, she asked me about my favourite module in College and I said I particularly loved studying poetry and then she started asking me my fav poets etc. It was English for ten minutes and Geog for ten minutes so they concentrated on both subjects in the subject specific interview. I didn't get asked anything as specific in Geog though. They asked me how could you incorporate computers into geography and where would you bring transition year students on a field trip?
They really were so lovely and very encouraging. Like there were no wrong answers as far as they were concerned.

Believe it or not, I found the general interview a little trickier than the subject specific as they gave you scenarios (eg. you're the group leader and you have to have a project handed in by next week and one of the students refuses to do anything, what would you do? ) So you have to think v quickly in those situations. They did concentrate on the negatives and positives of ICT a lot in the general int also and why do you want to be a teacher so you should have a spiel learned off. They asked me what qualities I have that I can use in everyday teaching.

I'm trying to think of other questions but that was it really. Any other questions? What time are you in tomorrow? I'm constantly refreshing my emails!

xxxxlornaxxxx

HI Sinead,

Well done on the interview. You are literally a life saver!! I have the interview at 7:15 tomorrow night I think I have done all I can (my brain is fried). Just going to get a good nights sleep and look over it in the morning, I'll be reciting away to myself while driving up lol!

I was so worried about everything but now I think I'm finally being rational and have realized I can only retain so much so O'll just be myself and draw on my experience and knowledge that's all I can do. I'm not a teacher yet (that's their job) so they can't expect too much in that respect. I am worried about the scenario section but will just have to rely on good ol' common sense and take my time answering. Will post and let you know how I get on shortly after.

You've been great though-looking forward to hearing the outcome of your interview (and mine I guess).

Thanks again and talk soon,

Lorna

SineadC2013

Hey Lorna,

No worries at all - I'm sure you've done plenty. They are judging your personality so smile, keep calm and answer as best you can and you'll fly it

Let me know how it goes and best of luck!

SineadC2013

I'm DYING to hear the news!

SineadC2013

Hi lorna,
Just got accepted! x

xxxxlornaxxxx

HI Sinead,

Was absolutely exhausted after the last 48 hours and didn't get home until one o clock last night. The English and History guys kept me in for about 35 minutes!

But..... I GOT ACCEPTED ALSO!! :-) Thrilled to bits and I literally found out less than 24 hours later so it wasn't a waiting game!!

Delighted for you also-all our fretting(well,mine really) paid off in the end!

Well, I'm off out to celebrate and I hope your doing likewise.

Thanks so much for everything and I may see you on October 5th.

Well done!

SineadC2013

Woo - hoo!
That's fantastic news! Well done And great that you didn't have to wait!

Enjoy the celebratory drinks

ZoeCud

Hi Lorna,

I have my interview for Hibernia tomorrow and like you I am a history student! Just wondering what kind of questions they asked you during the subject specific part. My other subject is French and if anyone knows what kind of questions they ask for French I'd really appreciate any sort of help as the French aspect is terrifying me!! Thanks

Spice30

Hi guys I have my hibernia English and History interview soon. I would be really greatful for any tips/questions that might come up in the interview.
Thanks.

Keehar

Spice30 wrote: »

Hi guys I have my hibernia English and History interview soon. I would be really greatful for any tips/questions that might come up in the interview.
Thanks.

Likewise.

I have my interview on Tuesday the 26th. My subjects are Biology and Agricultural Science.

CiaraMcN

Keehar wrote: »

Likewise.

I have my interview on Tuesday the 26th. My subjects are Biology and Agricultural Science.

Hi Keehar,

I'm thinking of applying to do Biology and Agricultural Science too.... I have a lot of revision to do though... Have you just covered the curriculum, or how else are you preparing for the interview? ... Also, any idea of what the job prospects are like with these subjects? I'm meeting with my old science teacher tomorrow, so hopefully will have an insight into jobs! I can let you know what she says!

Keehar

CiaraMcN wrote: »

Hi Keehar,

I'm thinking of applying to do Biology and Agricultural Science too.... I have a lot of revision to do though... Have you just covered the curriculum, or how else are you preparing for the interview? ... Also, any idea of what the job prospects are like with these subjects? I'm meeting with my old science teacher tomorrow, so hopefully will have an insight into jobs! I can let you know what she says!

Hi CiaraMcN,

Well I've covered the curriculum, and I've also been researching feedback from people who have had interviews with Hibernia college to see what sort of questions they ask. Apparently they ask things like why do you want to be a teacher, how would you handle a student with learning difficulties, how would you incorporate IT into the classroom.....stuff like that. I'm not sure what the subject specific questions are that they ask, but I'm not too worried about those.

As far as I know the job prospects are pretty good as Science teachers are generally in high demand. I would really appreciate if you could let me know what your Science teacher says. Are you thinking of applying for the course starting in April?

CiaraMcN

Hey, so my teacher was sick and couldn't meet me but we have rescheduled for Tuesday so I'll let you know what she says then... I was talking to a girl from Hibernia and she said that the only graduates that tend to have difficulty finding jobs are those doing Accounting and Business... I'm thinking of applying for this April's cohort but I don't know for my undergrad degree will meet the criteria to become a Biology and Ag Science teacher, sure all I can do is apply and see! Have you had your interview yet? If so, I hope it went well 😊

Keehar

CiaraMcN wrote: »

Hey, so my teacher was sick and couldn't meet me but we have rescheduled for Tuesday so I'll let you know what she says then... I was talking to a girl from Hibernia and she said that the only graduates that tend to have difficulty finding jobs are those doing Accounting and Business... I'm thinking of applying for this April's cohort but I don't know for my undergrad degree will meet the criteria to become a Biology and Ag Science teacher, sure all I can do is apply and see! Have you had your interview yet? If so, I hope it went well 😊

Hi there,

Thank you, I appreciate that. Tuesday is when I have my interview. If you're wondering if your degree is suitable for Biology then just check out this:

http://www.teachingcouncil.ie/en/Publications/Registration/Documents/Curricular-Subject-Requirements-up-to-Dec-2016.pdf

It's the teaching council list of approved degrees and what subject they're good for. If you see yours on the list then go for it A.S.A.P. as the deadline for application for the April cohort is the 25th of next month. They ask for several things as part of your application like an academic reference, and a copy of your Leaving Cert results which has to come from the State Examinations Commission. They won't accept anything else. I had to request a copy of mine from them. I also had to get one of my old college lecturers to write me a reference. So you want to get all this done within the next 4 weeks to get your application in on time for the April slot.

Delson

Hi,

Perhaps someone could help. I am new to this....

I have my Post Primary Teacher Training Interview Hibernia interview coming up soon. My subjects are Sociology & Politics (SPHE) & History... Just wondering if anyone has had the interview with either of these subjects, if so what kind of questions did they ask in the subject specific part of the interview?

Thanks in advance....

cashie88

Hi Delson,

Im doing those two subjects too and I have my interview coming up soon.

Very nervous don't even no where to start studying. Do you mind me asking what they asked you? Particularly in the subject specific?

What part of the country will you be based?

Thanks in advance

cashie88

Hi Delson,

Im doing those two subjects too and I have my interview coming up soon.

Very nervous don't even no where to start studying. Do you mind me asking what they asked you? Particularly in the subject specific?

What part of the country will you be based?

Thanks in advance