Student Taster Online Review

The Insight Programme was two days long. The first day consisted of a welcome and ice-breaker, personal development session (which introduced and explained the Teach First competencies), a debate about an educational issue, a talk regarding educational inequality in the UK, a session on how to plan an effective lesson and a series of talks from Teach First ambassadors. The second day involved further discussion of educational concerns in small groups, a coffee networking session, a teaching challenge (after which everyone received individual feedback), an opportunities fair (outlining further volunteering opportunities) and another personal development session.

I definitely learnt some new skills during Student Taster Online. The focus on self-awareness and self-evaluation across the two days was really interesting and supportive and it allowed me to realise fully what I had learned and how I had developed throughout Taster. It definitely made me more confident sharing my opinions in front of large groups of people and developed my presentation skills. I also feel as though I have a much better insight into effective teaching.

The Taster gave an amazing insight into teaching generally, as well as the specifics of the Teach First Training Programme. The Opportunities Fair on the second day also outlined many of Teach First's partners and explained their work. The Taster organisers also gave some hints and tips about the application to the STEM Online Experience and to the Training Programme, which was really valuable. Hearing from people who had already been through the programme was especially helpful in better understanding potential career paths.

The general atmosphere was incredibly supportive and encouraging. Everyone who spoke over the two days was so interesting and positive, which made for a great experience. Their emphasis on self-evaluation was really refreshing. I also think they made a real effort to be inclusive and welcoming, as well as trying very hard to encourage interaction and friendship between the attendees, which made the whole experience really fun.

I really enjoyed the insight; I thought the sessions were really varied in style and content and it was great to hear from such a wide range of people over the two days. I also thought the balance between being given information and advice and interaction in breakout rooms was really good. It was quite intense, but definitely manageable for two days! I really enjoyed the chance to interact with the other attendees during the quiz and the coffee networking that were also put on. Overall, it was a fantastic experience!

Yes

I would suggest taking advantage of all the information available on their website, specifically about their mission and competencies they look for. Teach First are so transparent about their application processes and even offer phone calls to chat through your application so I would just say take all the help they are offering!