What is a group interview and how do I prepare?

-
Many selective schools are now using group interviews as part of their selection process. The theory is simple: look at students in relation to each other; do they interact? Do they support each other? Do they stay with students from their own schools or countries? The group interview is a way of predicting how your year group will behave.

There are a few favoured styles for group interviews:

- the debate or discussion - a teacher uses an article or a few ideas in order to prompt a discussion. This is a feature of the Wycombe Abbey interview
- a sports activity - students are expected to follow instructions. Downe House sees how the girls work as a team by using sport.
- a science lesson - Tonbridge see how boys follow guidance, work as a team and use their intellect to engage with experiments
- a treasure hunt - great fun at Benenden.

and my personal favourite...

baking at Downe House! As we all know from Gordon Ramsey- a team which works together in the kitchen is always a winner!

So how do you prepare? (other than coming to Brandon!)

Be with people.... develop your social skills and overcome shyness by joining groups: guides. scouts, Church, sports, music...

Learn how to listen. If you respect others' opinions, listen carefully and then join in a discussion, your contribution will be valued and valuable.

Read widely. Do you know what is in the news? If not, start looking at the BBC, The Week or a newspaper aimed at younger readers.

Group interviews are a way to get to know new people. If you approach them as a fun opportunity, you will enjoy them so much more, make some new friends and maybe get an offer!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

My favourite Irish "party piece" poem

-
Image
We had some wonderful parties when I was little. Everyone would take it in turns to entertain; to sing, to recite or to dance. You don't have to wait until Saint Patrick's Day to start this tradition in your own families and, when you do, consider something by WB Yeats. The wonderful lyricism of the language appeals to every audience and the simplicity of his visions will delight. The Lake Isle of Innisfree I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree, And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made. Nine bean-rows will I have there, a hive for the honey bee, And live alone in the bee-loud glade. And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow, Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings; There midnight's all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow, And evening full of the linnet's wings. I will arise and go now, for always night and day I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore; While I stand ...
Read more

"My friend says that the ISEB Pretest pass mark is ... " and other myths!

-
Image
  If your child has just taken the ISEB Pre-test as part of their Eton, Winchester, Tonbridge, Charterhouse, Wellington, Cranleigh, St Paul's (continue ad infinitum, see the list here! ) then you may well be surrounded by a fog of panic and misinformation. So here we go, the top myths...  1: There is a pass mark of X... No... there really isn't. Schools use the Pre-Test as part of their application process in conjunction with school reports, references and additional information. Most schools will apply a range to the results they receive from their cohort which may be broader or narrower depending on their intake.  As a rule of thumb: a school with fast-paced teaching and highly academic focus (such as St Paul's), will take the top end of their cohort. A school with excellent support and a broader intake (e.g. Stowe), will use a wider measure.  2: So and so scored 100%... The scores of the test are not released by schools...  3: So and so took the test twice......
Read more

Will Santa put presentation skills in your stocking?

-
Christmas presents and public speaking skills aren't an obvious combination but with a bit of creativity, the link can be made! For your children: encourage "show and tell" by asking children to introduce their new presents to family members. Use questions to develop a framework and help them to expand on the information they are giving. This is a great way to get your children making presentations because their enthusiasm over-rides any fear. For adults: try a "present debate" in which everyone has to give a one minute speech arguing why they have received the ultimate present. After each round, vote for the most popular gift based on the persuasive speech (not your own preferences!) Winner avoids the washing up. Effective public speaking begins with a basic interest in the subject and a desire to communicate. Both of these criteria are answered as you unwrap a fabulous Christmas present and can't wait to tell everyone about it! Happy Christmas...
Read more