Teach First Summer Insight Scheme Review

The first week of the insight is basically a training week. You're split into groups and then sat on tables with people you've never met before. You get taught about Teach First and their mission, as well as how to teach using different techniques. The second week is a school placement. You observe lessons all week and get a chance to speak to teachers and current Teach First LDP participants. At the end, you teach a lesson or part of a lesson.

I was part of the STEM challenge cohort, so we were felt very valued. The Teach First team were constantly telling us how much we are needed and how talented we are and how amazing they know our lessons are going to be. It was nice because it increases your confidence and makes you want to do the LDP.

A lot. The Teach First team give you a lot of information throughout the first week. You also get a lot of chances to practice small things like countdowns. There's plenty of opportunity to ask questions and take part in group discussions. You also get the main co-ordinator's number if theres' any issues during the placement.

A lot of the planning and organisation skills are transferable and will help me in my last year of uni as well as whatever career I decide to pursue. The early mornings throughout the Insight required a lot of discipline. If you are genuinely considering a graduate career in teaching, the Insight will teach you a lot!

Very well structured. You get loads of emails letting you know about the venue and timings as well as which school and location you've been assigned to. You also have a point of contact who calls you to give you assessment day feedback and reminders. The second week timetable and structure depends on the school you're in.

The first week it was a bit awkward since we were working with people from different locations around the UK who we have never met before. The second week was much better and more sociable as you've had a chance to get to know one another and build friendships. The Teach First staff members themselves are extremely nice and supportive.

They invested a lot into you. They pay for you travel and accommodation if needed. They are fully prepared and try to help you as much as possible. They send a LOT of emails to make sure everyone has all the information they need. They also paid for our DBS.

The insight and the graduate role are basically the same thing. We just got a sample sized taster of what it would be like. From talking to current LDP participants, you can get an unbiased view of the programme and ask questions you feel you can't ask the staff.

Everyone has the same mission of fixing education inequality in the UK. Everyone is really friendly and supportive.

Very valuable.

£500 for 2 weeks and then any travel is reimbursed on top.

Yes we met current LDP participants.

There's always drinks after 5pm at the local pub. There's going to be a reunion at the end of the year for the participants of the insight programme.

Yes theres lots of opportunities. You can help out with part time summer roles at the schools that you were in, attend teaching conferences, attend the reunion, or even become a brand ambassador (paid position)

Yes, if anyone is interested in experiencing what a teaching career would be like, they should definitely do this insight programme.