Insight Participant Review

Overall the placement was fun and informative. I meet an array of different people many of which I explored London with in the evenings. I learnt a lot about the teaching profession and whether it is a career I wish to progress into. I must point out I enjoyed the first week of training more than the school placement mainly due to the structure and atmosphere.

The first weeks training was extremely well executed, with detailed sessions and objectives. I felt as though the ambassadors valued my opinion and questions when put forward, ensuring that I was getting the most out of the programme. The school placement week differed slightly as at times I felt out of place and not needed, however this is solely down to the school and not Teach First.

The support I received during the entirety of the programme was excellent. There were an array of different representatives from Teach First and partner organisations to talk and ask advice and help in the first week. The second week we were given a mobile number to contact at any hour for help which was extremely comforting. The school also provided us with a representative we could talk to if we had any issues.

As an engineering student I knew little about teaching and successful techniques to implement in the classroom. The first weeks training provided the knowledge needed to enter the classroom in the second week. Although a brilliant programme, the placement has made me realise teaching isn't for me at this point in my life, something I wouldn't have discovered during my studies.

The first week was extremely well executed with set sessions and learning outcomes. This ensured that all participants got the most out of each day. I cannot fault the training programme the insight offered. The second week focuses on the classroom as you are placed in a school. This time could have been structured better, but again this is solely down to the school.

All other participants on the programme were extremely friendly, with many common interests, which made the atmosphere fun and relaxing. The teach first ambassadors are extremely approachable and informative, allowing for a creative and enjoyable work environment. The school placement introduced a slightly more serious atmosphere.

The first weeks training provided a knowledge of successful teaching techniques, with a specific focus on STEM subjects. Therefore I would fully agree that Teach First invested in my personal training and development. This gave me a full insight into the teaching profession and how to become a brilliant teacher.

This insight programme was specifically designed to encourage undergrads to apply to Teach First's LDP graduate programme, specifically teaching STEM subjects. The first weeks training included talks from ambassadors who have completed the LDP and their experiences and opinions of the programme. The second week gave a good insight into what the LDP would like teaching in a school.

There was a specific focus on the network you receive at Teach First. Most speakers are ambassadors of the company and gave a good insight into the support you receive from the company even if you decide to leave/ finish the LDP. It is clear that Teach First are an amazing firm to work for and seem to really care about your personal development as well as their wider vision.

Although the insight programme was an amazing experience, it is very clear that teaching is personally not for me. However, most of my peers decided that teaching is what they want to do when they graduate, specifically applying for Teach First's LDP. The programme is designed to ensure all participants experience Teach First and the classroom.

The 2 week programme pays £500. However, it should be noted that this is intended to pay for all expenses i.e. food and travel bar accommodation. I personally only spent £250 over the whole 2 weeks which left me with money I am able to spend on myself which was a real perk as I valued the experience more than the payment received. I believe this is a generous sum of money from a charity.

The insight programme has its own Facebook group which you can meet other participants prior to starting. During the first week you are placed in university accommodation with other participants which allowed for a community feel. I personally went on trips to Covent Garden and to the theatre in regards to networking, you meet an array of different people from all different organisations.

Teach First provide two networking events in a pub near the training centre, one on the first day and one on the last. I personally didn't find these very exciting as I had already met a majority of my participants. However, I believe it was a good opportunity to network with graduate recruitment personnel who would be carrying out interviews for the LDP.

The two networking events organised were well advertised my Teach First representatives during the training days. All other excursions were organised independent of the organisations through participants (use of WhatsApp). There was a lot to do if you were up for socialising with other participants on the programme.

I would 100% recommend this programme to a friend, especially if they are at all interested in teaching. It enabled me to rule out teaching, however gave me a great understanding of educational inequality in the UK and it is an issue I will strive to correct during my career. The programme itself was impeccably organised and structured.