Taster paticipant Review

The programme was very enjoyable. From entering the building to the end of the two days I didn’t feel bored at any time and felt the programme was well planned and organised. I thoroughly enjoyed the activities and the range of advice given throughout the two days. I feel it is a very beneficial programme.

I felt very valued the whole time. We were all on a first name basis and had personal phone calls before and after the event to make sure we were all prepared and happy before and after the programme. It was brilliant to have lunch and breakfast prepared for us as well as many snacks and beverages throughout the day. I felt wanted and respected the entire time.

We received a lot of guidance and support over the two days. To prepare a lesson we were given workshops before hand to give us advice and tips which would help us in our lessons later on. We were given a lot of opportunity to ask questions and received a lot of feedback as we went along.

The skills and information I received on this programme was very beneficial for my future plans to become a teacher. It helped me to decide that I was sure about my career path by giving a small taster of what it is going to be like. In terms of my studies, no information was really beneficial but that wasn’t the purpose of this programme.

There was a clear plan and structure to the programme over the two days. There was never a time where staff looked unsure what was happening next and there were never any awkward breaks. The layout of the two days was perfect as It consisted of developing skills on day one and then implementing them on day two.

A lovely atmosphere was generated on arrival as everyone was given name badges to take the awkwardness away from first encounters with other participants. The staff were all lovely and welcoming and the other participants were the same. The offices at teach first had a lovely atmosphere and I was comfortable the entire time.

I feel the company invested a lot of time and resources on us throughout the two days. Teach first played for all our transport costs and provided four meals and a hotel to stay in. They held the two days at their office which is a lot to give up for two whole days.

I feel it is difficult to get a full picture when only visiting for two days. However what I did see was very positive as all staff were friendly and welcoming as well as being organised and motivated. The phone call contact showed me that they care about their people and would invest in me if I were to work for them.

Very very well. We were given sessions on the ‘teach first vision’ which I found fascinating and it truly inspired me to become a part of it. The whole two days were brilliant examples of the company’s culture to improve teaching standards in lower income backgrounds. I loved the culture of teach first.

I found the content of the teach first taster programme brilliant. I felt it gave a good and varied display of what it would be like to work for them and to apply for their many other programmes. We had talks from many different people working in different aspects of teach first and it gave a good insight of the possibilities we had.

We were reimbursed for up to £30 travel costs and then 40% of the remaining cost. This was hard for me to stay below £30 for trains as I am from very far out of London. However, accommodation and food was sorted for us and as a charity teach first have to be careful about spending.

There was a small opportunities fair made for us in the offices which was a brilliant opportunity to speak to other staff about the different opportunities teach first has to offer. I met so many lovely people who were participants too and made many friends in this process. It was lovely to speak with team members.

There were many opportunities to network between other participants on the taster programme and I made many contacts that I am still in touch with. We had a meal together in the evening which was a good chance to get to know each other very well. We could also talk to anyone at the office at any time.

There wasn’t a lot of information on this. However this programme wasn’t about that information. They did give us a lot of information on things we can get involved in at university such as becoming a brand manager and apply for other programmes. I’m sure spending more time with teach first will tell me all I need to know.

I would highly recommend this programme to all my friends. Even if they didn’t want a career in teaching I feel the skills learned and enveloped in these two days are beneficial to all career paths. It was a lovely couple of days in the vibrant city of London and I got to know many amazing people.