Summer Insight Programme Review

by Teach First

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

4/5
  • About You
    4.4
  • The Company
    4.3
  • Everything Else
    3.3

    About You

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
  • I have really enjoyed the insight programme. The first week in London was very informative and gave us a good theoretical background into teaching techniques and things to look for in a classroom. In the second week we were allocated to our schools and could put theory into practice. It was an amazing experience which I recommend to anyone interested to get into teaching.

    4/5

  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued during your time at the company or firm?
  • The staff and colleagues at Teach First were very nice and made sure everyone was welcomed. It was very easy to make new friends, especially with ice-breaker challanges at the beginning of the programme and frequent group tasks. Teach First has a strict guideline of good ethics which everyone has to follow.

    5/5

  • 3. How much guidance/support did you receive during the insight?
  • There was support available if required. Staff were always ready to listen to and it was easy to email/phone them with quick replies if required. During the second week, teachfirst has arranged accomodation for everyone that required it, the whole process to check-in and check-out was hassle free as Teach First had already paid for them.

    4/5

  • 4. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and information you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
  • In the first week we have had 4 days of sessions covering all the aspects from safe-guarding to classroom management which are vital skills for a teacher. We also had the opportunity to practice learned skills in a variety of sessions which included debating and lesson planning. I feel much more confident in my teaching skills after the programme.

    5/5

    The Company

  • 5. How well structured was the insight?
  • The structure of the programme flowed nicely from the first week into the second. All sessions were well structured and we have received a detailed timetable beforehand, we knew what to expect. In the second week all learned theory was put into practice and everyone got theb opportunity to teach a lesson in a secondary school.

    4/5

  • 6. How was the general atmosphere during your insight?
  • Overall the atmosphere was really good. All candidates and staff were very nice and helpful, even session leaders were funny and had good humour giving off a positive and cheerful vibe to candidates. There was a lot of empahsise to enjoy teaching and we were shown that teachers can have great positive impact on students.

    5/5

  • 7. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
  • I believe the company has invested a significant amount of resources, time and training into every individual, especially during week 1. We have had many different speakers coming in and delivering workshops and sessions. For self-development, we have has several sessions where we had the opportunity to reflect on our own profgress.

    5/5

  • 8. To what extent did the insight help you to understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the company or firm?
  • I took part both during the taster and insight programme. TeachFirst has always emphasised on the importance of their "Leadership Development Programme (LDP)", this is pretty much the equivalent of a full time role with the company. We have had many designated sessions where we had the opportunity to find out more about the scheme and ask questions.

    5/5

  • 9. How much did the insight help you in understanding the company culture?
  • During the initial interview stage we were asked about the mission and vision of TeachFirst and how they work with partners. We were also shown statistics and taught about the STEM problem in this country and how we could overcome it. Hence I feel like I have had a very good uncerstanding of company culture.

    4/5

  • 10. How valuable was the content in helping you to decide on your future career path?
  • I believe the content was extremely helpful for me to decide my career path. I have always kept teaching as an option and I feel like this insight programme has given me the opportunity to look into the life of a teacher. Especially in week 2, I was given the opportunity to teach a lesson and be a teacher.

    4/5

    Everything Else

  • 11. Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
  • I could not have asked for more in terms of expenses. We were paid £250 a week and all travel + accomodation was paid for. During week 2 all insight participants were kept at a very nice hotel and everything was paid for, the travel and reception was hassle free.


  • 12. Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the company or firm?
  • There were several opportunities. Several former candidates came in and we had the opportunity to talk to them. A lot of them were working in other sectors not related to teaching such as an analyst. This was a great opportunity for us to see what other alternatives would be to teaching after completing the programme.

    4/5

  • 13. How were the networking/ social event opportunities?
  • There were several netorking events but I haven't attended any yet, but I have heard they were god.

    4/5

  • 14. Did you find out about activities that employees can get involved in outside of work?
  • There was not much emphasis on activities outside of work.

    2/5

  • 15. Would you recommend this insight to a friend?
  • If you are unsure what you want to do next or what career path you want to pursue I definitely recomment this insight programme. If you specifically want to get into STEM teaching, then I believe this is the perfect starter.

    5/5

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Details

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

London

June 2019


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