Spring Insight Review

This is a brilliant programme, whether or not you're even interested in teaching. You'll be with around 50 other undergraduates (about 100 for the summer programme), and do lots of different things including masterclasses, debates and the school placement.

TeachFirst will treat you really well throughout your placement. I had multiple calls before and after the programme. You will also receive a 'coaching call' during your school placement, which is really useful and allows you to get the most out of the placement.

You have a coaching call during your school placement, to give you advice on planning your lesson. There are also plenty of staff members available during the programme who are there to support you and give you any advice.

Despite only being 2 weeks, I gained a lot of skills from this programme. We were given sessions on leadership by professionals, and learnt various skills of self-reflection that are useful across many jobs.

We had a timetable for our first week prior to the insight, and we were given our individual school timetables during the first week of the programme. It was 9-5, but with suitable breaks. The sessions were delivered by different facilitators, so it didn't feel particularly boring or draining.

Being with so many other undergraduates was so much fun. We all stayed in the same accommodation, so did various things after the programme each day.

We had a coaching call, and were filling in a booklet throughout the programme with useful insights from each session. We also networked with other individuals from their partner firms.

The school placement allowed me to gain a real insight into this graduate programme.

We were exposed to many different staff members, including one of the directors. We were based in their office, so the overall culture was very visible. Equally, the school placement gives you a good idea of the company reputation.

I absolutely loved the programme, so I am completely sold! But of course, it was very biased and I didn't hear any reason why I wouldn't apply.

I received £500 for the 2 week placement. They pay for your accommodation throughout, but you are expected to cover all other expenses.

We had 2 socials during the 2 weeks, which was great for networking. There was also time every day to speak to the employees.

They were on the first and last day in a local pub. It was adequate, could have been better. This wasn't a huge priority of the insight.

This would be an individual thing based on what school the teacher was in, and what the area was like.

I absolutely would! It was so much fun, even if you don't want to be a teacher.