As a filler until I get chance to write another decent post, here are a few question that people want to know the answer to.
Is it just pass or fail at PGCE?
Yes. The only difference between any student completing their PGCE is their reference given. Teaching and work is marked on the OFSTED scale (1-4) but this grade does follow you out of the course.
Is it hard to pass PGCE?
A difficult question to answer. If teaching is for you, no. If you are prepared to work, no. Is it hard to be a good teacher? Yes, but no-one said it would be!
Will teaching job be offered on interview day?
Yes. You can normally ask for up to 24 hours to discuss with family etc., but this is a courtesy and they are entitled to say no; if you’re not sure you want or can take the job, you shouldn’t be there.
Who is the interview panel for teaching jobs?
Again, this varies with school and position. For an NQT role, you would expect to see a line-manager at the minimum, and usually a member of SLT or other Head of Department, and sometimes the Headteacher. A lot of schools will expect you to face a panel of students too. It’s rare to have a Governor on the panel until you get to an SLT-level job.
Are you allowed time off for interviews in a teaching job?
You are allowed “reasonable” time off for interviews, this will be unpaid.
What to do in your last PGCE lesson?
If you are feeling brave, you could let your students complete a questionnaire on your performance over the placement to (hopefully) gain an insight into your strengths and weaknesses from their point of view.