Taster Experience Review

It is definitely the best one I had so far. For me personally it is the most organised event that I have ever been to; not only did I learn from the workshops, I was also able to see how every part of the experience was connected. Specifically, they set out very clear objectives for each session and designed activities to actually help us achieve those within the time frame. I also had fun making new friends, which is kind of rare for me, in two days. I would love it to be longer than 2 days to have more fun :)

I received so many calls and emails before I submitted my application and the staff was super super super willing to help. There were quite a lot of people attending the taster experience; we were divided into smaller groups so each individual could get valuable feedback in the workshops. Example: In a debate workshop, I did not talk as much but still got feedback from the workshop leader (staff from Teach First).

Feedback was also provided for every workshop we attended. I love feedback. They provided free accommodation for attendees who do not live in London, reimbursement for travelling costs as well. In preparing our mini-lessons, my group had trouble deciding upon what topics to teach in the lesson; later on the workshop leader joined our table and kept asking us questions so that we could break down our thoughts and run them through.

The workshops gave a lot of information about the programs and other future opportunities at Teach First. They refer to skills as 'core competencies' and those are very valuable transferrable skills like effective communication, empathy & respect, reflection and etc. These are the common themes throughout and there were plenty of chances to practice during those two days.

I could not praise enough about the structuring. Each workshop was there for us to achieve specific objectives and the flow of everything was so smooth that there was literally no occasion of any emergent issue (technical details, time management) to 'improvise' on. I would love to join them to see how they organise events.

Staff and participants were so helpful and lovely. Alongside the intensive two-day workshops, it was enjoyable to talk to everyone during the breaks. Teach First also organised a social dinner at the end of day one at Pizza Express. Great opportunity to network, espeically to know other uni students outside my community.

For designing and teaching the mini lessons, we were divided into smaller groups of size 2, 3 or 4. We got the chance to chat with workshop leader, ask them any questions we had in mind and also get feedback from them. Each individual was able to get valuable feedback.

I remember in one of the workshops there were speakers (past and current participants of the Graduate Programme) talking about their experiences and and offered useful information to us. Having said that, I think all the staff and workshop leaders acted louder than they spoke. Their common qualities of being confident, organised, welcoming and more impressed me a lot.

The theme of education equality was always there. We were asked to prepare for the experience and had a discussion about the current problems in UK education system, as well as possible solutions. It stood out to me that the whole organisation was centred around that, and they devised different ways to solve this problem.

It was very clear from the beginning that the experience was designed to help participants develop core competencies that are transferrable in a lot of different contexts including work. I personally learned a lot more about the organisation itself and made up my mind in applying for future opportunities within Teach First.

In one of the sessions we actually met current participants of the graduate programme. She shared her experiences in dealing with school kids, as well as her process on getting PGDE. I spoke to her and it was a nice chat with her sharing lovely stories between she and her students.

I made a few friends. They are all lovely. I actually referred a friend I met there to a person seeking Theology tutor. The dinner social and the breaks in between sessions were all great chances to socialise with other participants, not to mention that we were all like-minded in some way.

Teach First organise a lot of social activities within the organisation. I remember Teach First teachers in a region would do weekly social activities together. During the summer months, there were also opportunities to join programs provided by partners of Teach First, so they could get the most out of the graduate program.

Would definitely recommend this insight to my friends if they 1. undecisive of what to do; 2. they want to do something meaningful. It is a lot fun; at the same time it is a great opportunity to learn transferrable skills. Plus you get reimbursed to be trained and developed.