Southwark College uses a robust assessment process which is specifically tailored for each of our roles. This ensures that every candidate has several opportunities to demonstrate the level and extent of their skills and competencies. Throughout the assessment process, you will learn about the College and role you have applied for, and will be given ample opportunity to ask as many questions as you like, so that you are confident that this is the right choice for you.
If you are shortlisted for a role, you will be invited for an assessment. This process can last anything from a couple of hours to a whole day for senior roles. The assessment process will encompass one or more of the following:
- A panel interview – you will be asked questions based on the competencies of the role. You will be asked for examples from previous experience and will also be given the opportunity to ask questions. Members of the panel will take lots of notes so that they can refer to these later. This takes place for all roles
- Microteach – this gives us a flavour of your teaching style and occurs for all teaching and training roles
- Preparing and delivering a presentation – this helps us to assess what you have delivered in the past or how you plan to deliver presentations in this role. It takes place for all management and some teaching roles
- Group discussion – this can be useful when teamwork is a key competence for the role or where we are looking for strong communication skills
- Case studies and written assessments – these give you the opportunity to show us how you would react to realistic situations. The tasks may be written or they may take the form of a discussion with an assessor
- Aptitude tests – these may assess ICT skills, data entry skills, numeracy or literacy. All teachers and trainers who are offered positions at Southwark College are required to undertake an assessment of numeracy and literacy at Level 2 or above
- Psychometric tests – these allow us to gain further understanding about your personality and what motivates you. They are sometimes used for management roles
We understand that any assessment process can be an anxious experience and we will make every effort to help you feel relaxed and comfortable. When you are informed that your application has been shortlisted, you will receive more information on the specific assessment process for your role. This will help you to prepare in advance for the day.
If you have a disability or a medical condition that requires any adjustments to be made to the assessment process, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can make every effort to accommodate these requirements.
