To help you prepare for your interview, here is an outline of what will be discussed.
The purpose of the interview is for us to get to know you a little and explore your interest in studying primary education. It is also an opportunity for you to learn more about the School of Education and our programme, so please don’t be too nervous – try and enjoy the experience!
We will ask you questions related to the following topics:
- You will be asked some questions about your education and professional background and your hobbies and interests.
- For international applicants, we also want to know why you want to come and study in Aotearoa New Zealand.
- We will explore your interest and understanding of primary school education. What experience have you had with children aged 5-12 years old? You will also be asked to think about a particular situation that could occur with children, as we want to hear how you might respond to such a situation.
- We will explore your understanding and experience of multiculturalism.
- As part of your preparation for the interview, we ask that you take some time to explore Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi) and its significance in education in Aotearoa New Zealand. Te Tiriti o Waitangi is a foundational document in Aotearoa New Zealand’s history and continues to shape policies, practices and relationships in education today. You will be asked about the historical context of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and to reflect on how you think it could apply to your role as a future teacher in Aotearoa New Zealand.
We will explain the primary programme and practicum to you.
While you might think about your responses before the interview, please don’t read any prepared answers – we want you to engage in a conversation with us.
This will be followed by further information on what happens after the interview.
Finally, you will be asked if you have any questions.
At the beginning of the interview, you will be asked to show identification documents. You must have these available with you. If you do not have these documents, your interview may need to be rescheduled.
For online interviews (overseas or out of Auckland applicants):
- You will be sent a Microsoft Teams link for your online interview. When you click on this, you will enter a 'lobby'. The interviewers will admit you into the interview when they are ready.
- The interview will take approximately 30 minutes.
- As we interview several applicants in a day, please stay in the 'lobby' of the online meeting even if we are a few minutes late.
- Overseas and/or international applicants: Your passport is the preferred identification document. If you have never been to Aotearoa New Zealand, or if you have been to Aotearoa New Zealand for less than 12 months, only ONE form of identification is required. If you have been to Aotearoa New Zealand for 12 months or more cumulatively, you will need TWO forms of identification.
- Out of Auckland domestic applicants: You must have TWO forms of identification sighted at the start of the interview.
- Please see the following link (Invitation to attend an interview) for further information about the types of documents accepted.
For face-to-face interviews (Auckland based domestic applicants):
- You will be sent a date and location for your face-to-face interview.
- Face-to-face interviews are conducted in small groups with other applicants.
- Because these are group interviews, it will take longer than a one-on-one interview. Please expect it to take approximately 60 minutes.
- Auckland-based domestic students: You must have TWO forms of identification sighted in person. Please see the following link (Invitation to attend an interview) for further information about the types of documents accepted.