Teach First Taster insight Review

The two-day insight programme was very enjoyable and consisted of useful and engaging activities relevant to expanding knowledge of the company and a career in teaching. Some activities were more enjoyable than others, in particular the group practical activities that allowed participants to actually teach real pupils on their chosen subject.

I think due to the number of participants it was difficult to engage in any one-to-one activity which would perhaps make you feel more valued. Aside from that, the Teach First team did a good job in engaging a large number of pupils. Especially good was the splitting of a large group into sub groups so that everyone has a say in discussion and activities.

There was excellent career advice from both staff at Teach First, but also past participants which gave a good insight into the Leadership Development Programme scheme. The programme was well organised and there was ample opportunity to ask questions - it was organised so that talks were given on different opportunities for students with advice on future applications.

The programme was very useful. I found the assessment centre roleplay particularly useful, as it gave an insight into expectations in future career scenarios. I had never experienced this before so no doubt has equipped me with the skills to tackle an assessment centre in a more formal setting in the future.

It was overall very well structured. The introduction gave opportunity to meet fellow participants and engage in group activities. I also enjoyed the fact there was more theory based learning on the first day and then on the second this theory was applied in the practical scenario of teaching itself.

The atmosphere was fantastic. I think this was aided by enthusiastic participants who were genuinely interested in a career in teaching and so found the programme stimulating and enjoyable. The programme leaders were also very engaging and made sure that participants felt at ease. The free lunch and breakfast was also a fantastic perk.

The firm provided good development opportunity through the assessment centre roleplay. Good feedback was given and top tips that were also very valuable were shared with participants. These could be applied in any job interview or assessment centre scenario. Also, the insight programme allows participants to fast track the first stage of applications for future programmes within the Teach First company.

Because this was just an insight programme, not a huge amount of detail was given on the experience of a full-time teach first applicant and how their daily schedule or work routine would look. However, saying this, information was given on future insight schemes and internship style programmes that are open to participants prior to full time roles.

The insight gave great information that really painted a solid picture on the type of company Teach First is. Everything during the programme was set around the company's ethics and ethos, which really gave a good insight into the culture of Teach First and its objectives within the wider world and community.

Very useful! The insight gave time to talk about future opportunities, including volunteer roles with partnership companies - this was useful for expanding career plans or goals. I also was very well educated on the insight intern programme and leadership development programme as potential future opportunities that I could participate in.

Food and local hotel accommodation was provided free of charge for the two days in attendance. However, there was no hourly pay for the time given for the programme. Travel expenses were reimbursed up to a set amount (I think £50 reimbursement and then 50% of anything above this was also reimbursed).

Yes! There was ample opportunity to network with other participants as well as receive talks from past participants and people employed by Teach First. This gave good opportunity to ask questions and gave an insight onto the reality of being a Teach First participant or employee. In this way, the programme was very well structured.

Networking and social events were fantastic as breakfast and lunch breaks provided opportunity to chat and network with other participants in a fairly informal setting. The office environment where the programme was held was also really welcoming and the large tables and group areas to sit aided informal conversation and discussion around the programme.