Insight Participant Review

This was wonderful 2 weeks. It's a break from revision, a chance to meet new people and make new friends, an opportunity to gain valuable teaching experience, and can't argue with the money! I had a great time learning lots about teaching with fun and interesting talks and classes. Very enjoyable programme.

I felt very much valued. All the speakers and members of staff make every effort to include everyone in their talks and discussions and they make sure everybody has their say in debates and can ask questions freely. The other participants are also keen to get to know you and there's no doubt that you will get on well with everyone there.

I received plenty of support. For example, there was a slight confusion with what subject I was doing when I read the timetable. After telling Teach First, they had come back to me within just an hour, having phoned the school and sorted it out. As for guidance, they did help you a lot in preparing for your school experience, but also made sure to step back a bit and give you some independence.

Being principal in my section in my university ensemble, it's clear that I am a much more confident leader now, having learnt so much about leadership through Teach First. And as a music student, there's so much time management to do with rehearsals versus studies, for which Teach First gave me tips, As for beyond, I want to become a teacher, So clearly Insight helped me there!

Could not be better structured. A few days before it started, we were sent a timetable for the week. Every single hour was clearly assigned to something. The whole course flowed nicely, with general talks about Teach First to begin with, and then leading in to talks on useful skills and then teaching specific. As for the second week in the school, it was mostly well structured, about which lessons to observe, but they didn't seem to know exactly what we were supposed to be doing there.

It was a very pleasant atmosphere. Lots of people asking questions, getting answers, and discussing with other group members. Nobody was put on the spot or was belittled for being wrong. Everybody was happy, which made the whole thing that extra bit pleasant. It was also great to hang out with all the other participants during free time.

They gave us so much information about other opportunities like the Leadership Development Programme and Brand Managers. We were all given an advantage because our application for these would be fast tracked since we had done insight. So in a sense, they did invest in us. Most people will continue with Teach First after this.

Most certainly. The course was set up like a 9-5 job. We were all wearing professional dress and did have extra work to do in the evening. But the second week in schools gave us the real idea. We had the opportunity to speak to teachers who had been in the job for years. And planning a lesson and teaching it was a real insight in to teaching.

From the first day, they did not stop referring to the charity's 8 competencies and the reasons for what Teach First is all about. The first day was exclusively about the values and vision of Teach First and what it means to be a Teach First ambassador. There's nothing we don't know now really!

Extremely valuable. Since it was aimed at aspiring teachers, the decision people would be making was whether to persue a career in teaching or not. Because we had been able to learn clearly what it takes to be a teacher and how the life would be, it was a lot easier to decide whether it was for us or not. And the LDP would be another option to help us decide by having the job just for two years.

Accommodation and breakfast was provided and paid for by Teach First. But we also got paid for the two weeks as well, to help cover travel and evening meals.

Definitely! Teach First is all about networking. Every talk (and there were plenty!) was done by a different person. A few were from Teach First ambassadors, a few from companies who sponsor Teach First, and a few were just guests. Being able to make connections with so many people with different backgrounds is a valuable opportunity.

There were brilliant! After every talk we had the opportunity to ask questions, and then have free time for coffee and chat with them afterwards. It was by far the best method of doing it - enjoyable and effective. And at the weekend we had the day off - sight-seeing time in London! That was a wonderful social event with all the other participants.

There are a few opportunities that Teach First offer outside of your teaching job on the LDP. Aside from funding your PGCE, they will help you find a summer internship after the first year, should you want one. And during your second year, once you've got your PGCE, if you'd like to do a Masters qualification, Teach First will subsidise it.

Of course I would! They've got nothing to lose! Even if you're not really considering being a teacher, it's still worth it. The experience you gain is incredibly valueable and you learn so much! Plus there's the pay! Sending an application really is no big deal - Teach First even cover your travel to the assessment centre if your online application is successful.