11 November 2019
On Thursday 7 November our Upper Sixth medical applicants took part in an interview masterclass in partnership with their peers from Wallington County Grammar School. After a meet and greet session, they all entered the Goddard room where they met a junior doctor from King’s College London Medical School. She gave them advice on how to approach different types of interview, such as a panel interview, multiple mini interviews and Oxbridge interviews, along with various techniques for answering different questions. The students were questioned and challenged about their own motivation for medicine, their work experience, teamwork skills, leadership skills and their ability to resolve conflict in the workplace. They were also given the chance to reflect on their own strengths, weaknesses and how they currently manage stress and a busy workload.
After lunch the students took part in group interviews and discussions on moral and professional reasoning including ethics, the General Medical Council standards and the NHS values. A role play scenario challenged their ability to show empathy and consideration of other people’s feelings alongside adapting their communication style to different patients. They tested their communication and analytical skills during the video interview stations and improved their problem-solving ability during team challenges. The day ended with a summary of all the different training pathways connected to each specific medical school and a question and answer session.
Our students will now complete another session of multiple mini interviews with members of staff and one-to-one panel interviews with me to ensure they are fully prepared before the university medical interview season, which runs from December to March.
Miss Jamie Gallagher, Head of Chemistry
