Insight Programme Review

The Insight programme gave a good opportunity to experience TeachFirst, whilst making good friends and having an enjoyable time. The lectures during the first week varied, some were very interesting and related to working in a classroom, while others were clearly designed to advertise TeachFirst. The days in school were extremely valuable, allowing us to teach a lesson and gain real classroom experience. Living in London for a week was also a good experience, and meant we could enjoy ourselves and socialise outside of work hours.

During our time in Week 1 I did not feel valued, the lectures were very focussed around getting us to apply for the Leadership Development Programme, at times it felt like a production line to teach us how to apply. However, the lead staff soon got to know us personally which helped. During my time in school I felt extremely valued, staff were very welcome, allowed us to observe and ask questions as much as we wanted, and were very appreciative of our time.

Support was great throughout the programme, staff were always on hand to answer questions. Before starting the programme we received a welcome phone call with a chance to ask questions, and all the information provided beforehand was detailed, although sometimes provided quite last minute. During the programme as the staff were friendly and welcoming, especially the staff in the school we worked in. At school the senior leadership team and our department were both very welcoming and made sure we were happy throughout our time.

The experience working in a school, and being able to teach and plan lessons will be the most valuable in the future. Being able to observe outstanding teachers and learn behaviour management techniques will also be very helpful in a career in teaching. The more theoretical knowledge was very interesting to learn, however would be hard to apply in the future. There was also a lot of information about how to progress to future careers in banking, which while informative was not useful for me.

The programme structure was okay. During the first week we learnt lots about schools and classrooms, however without being in a classroom it was hard to apply and came across dry and unexciting. A lot of time in the first week was also spent advertising the Leadership Development programme, this could have been better spent teaching us more about schools, or just giving us more time in schools. Our time in school was very well structured, and gave us time for observations, lesson planning, teaching and reflection.

The atmosphere was really good, everyone was really friendly and we spent lunchtime and evenings together eating and exploring London. Our working groups were changed everyday to allow us to meet more people, and social events were organised on the first and last evenings. During the second week my school group bonded well and spent lots of time together, and the atmosphere was also good in our school.

TeachFirst invested a lot in our personal development, however it was all in aid of getting us to apply for and be accepted onto the Leadership Development Programme. Certain sessions were focussed on our development as teachers which were more beneficial. In our school the staff invested a lot in us, spending lots of time working with us and supporting us, ensuring we were well prepared for our lesson and gained the skills we wished.

We had a chance to speak to many TeachFirst ambassadors, however none of them had continued in teaching longer than the 2 year programme so this was not representative and didn't give us information about teaching. We were also painted a very positive picture without mention of how much hard work the programme is. However, the teachers we spoke to in school were very willing to answer questions and were honest about their experiences.

The Insight Programme was helpful in understanding the company culture. The programme was similar to Summer Institute so allowed is to experience that in a week. Our experience in school gave us a great insight into working in a school, we were introduced to many members of staff and attended meetings and spent time in the staffroom to understand how the school works. We also attended assemblies and form times as well as lessons to get a full experience.

The programme convinced me that I definitely want to work in a school, but provided me with new ideas as well as teaching. We were introduced to staff working in SEND and EAL which would provide good career options, and this information was really helpful. I am however unsure if I wish to do the Leadership Development Programme, as the TeachFirst attitude does feel a bit like a production line.

£500 provided to cover expenses, plus accommodation and breakfast provided.

There were two evenings at a local pub organised as social events which were good for meeting other participants and getting to know each other. We also organised our own events in our free time, both in London and on placement in schools and lots of time was given for these. Networking with TeachFirst staff was timetabled on the final day, however we preferred to catch up with fellow participants and discuss our school experiences, so this wasn't valuable.

I would definitely recommend the Insight Programme to a friend. Despite its downsides, I leant loads from the programme, especially during the school placement week, and had a really good time. All the TeachFirst staff were lovely and supportive, as were the other participants. The accommodation provided was lovely and comfortable, as was the venue. Everyone I spoke to on the programme enjoyed it, and although some people realised teaching wasn't for them they still had a good time.