Insight programme Review

Very valuable insight into a future teaching career within STEM subjects. Even though the programme only involves 4 days in a school, I could see the positive impact I was having on the students within each lesson. A brilliant opportunity to meet others interested in teaching, all with the common aim of promoting equality in schools.

From the first day of the school placement I was able to help individual students in the classroom and contribute to the overall lesson. There were plenty of opportunities to get involved with teaching and school clubs within the school placement, where the teachers valued our help and gave us responsibility within the sessions.

Before taking our own lessons the programme had a variety of engaging sessions to help with all the challenges we may face in the classroom. The advice received and practice of lesson plans during these sessions prepared me well for the school placement. During the placement the teachers were very supportive and provided guidance for the planning of my lesson.

The insight programme contained many sessions which focused on leadership and the qualities of good leaders. The most surprising skill that I learnt is reflection. The programme has a large focus on how to reflect on events and how to learn from them, which is a skill I have used many times since the programme.

The delivery of the programme itself was very well structured, with the perfect balance between the theory behing teachint and in class practixe. However the organisation and communication from the organisation before the programme could have been better. For example the programme timetable was released less than a week before start date.

Brilliant atmosphere with over 100 other participants provding support throughout the programme. Some social activities were arranged by Teach First during the evenings and plenty of opportunities to explore london/the local area of the school with the other participants. Everyone was very welcoming and a community feel throughout the programme.

Teach First provided many high quality sessions during the first week of the programme which were mostly run my people who had previously completed the Leadership Development Programme. The school experience of the people leading the sessions meant the training provided was of a very high quality and very useful.

Lots of opportunities to talk to previous participants of the Teach First Leadership Development programme. The whole programme is based around an introduction to the LDP and to provide an insight into the role of a teacher. The programme made clear the challenge teachers face but also how rewarding the job can be.

Some of the sessions during the first week were dedicated to understanding the Teach First vision and why education equality is so important to them. These sessions gave an insight into the culture of Teach First and the important work they are doing to improve the education of so many students.

Although the programme allowed me to explore a future career in teaching it also provided valuable personal development and learning opportunities. As a result of the programme I have now decided to peruse a career in teaching and feel prepared for the future challenged I may face within this career.

Both within the training sessions and the school placement there were opportunities to meet with many different employees and Teach First ambassadors. The programme involved question and answer sessions and opportunities to meet some of their partner organisations who are not within the educational sector but who also believe in the same aims.

With over 100 participant on the programme there were plenty of opportunities to network with the other participants but also with the speakers and session leaders. Similarly, within the school placement there were many opportunities to speak to all management levels within the school. Some social activities were organised during the evenings.

Many volunteering opportunities were presented to us that still take the educational divide though methods not within the classroom.

Definitely. A very enjoyable experience with many oppertunities to network with fellow students and teachers to become more informed about a career in education. A well organised programme which was a good balance between the theory of teaching and practical experience within the classroom. Also provides useful skills for any career.