Taster Programme Review

The insight was a two-day event run virtually in September 2022. The first day began with an introduction to the programme and company. There were then a series of workshops for which participants were entered into breakout rooms, including a presentation skills session and an education-related debate. We then had an ambassador panel and a Q&A about the company. On the second day, we learned about the importance of diversity and inclusion within the company, before each delivering a short lesson to our peers using the skills we had learned and receiving feedback. Throughout the insight, we also had regular personal development sessions in which we reflected on our development of the key skills required to become a teacher.

Yes. Personal development and reflection of skills was a key component of the taster. Having to plan a short lesson helped me to develop my planning and organisation skills. My resilience was developed by having to do tasks which were normally outside of my comfort zone and I had not done before, such as debating. My interaction skill was developed by having to constantly engage in different tasks with new people in breakout rooms. These are all Teach First competencies, and they did a great job at ensuring that we all developed skills over the course of the programme.

Teach first did this very well. They provided several talks and presentations about the company, how their training scheme works and the other opportunities surrounding this. The primary role they offer in the business for undergraduates are as training teachers in your subject of choice in the schools which need it most. However, there are opportunities outside of this such as the summer internships available with large organisations through the company. Lots of roles and opportunities for progression in other fields is also available.

Very positive. Everyone I met, from the leaders of the programme to the other attendees, were extremely friendly and I did not feel uncomfortable at all during the insight. Everyone working for the company is so passionate about the values and main aims of Teach First, it is extremely inspiring to see. The positive atmosphere of the insight is highlighted by the fact that most attendees offered their thoughts in the zoom calls, which is uncommon usually as people like to sit back and are sometimes anxious to say their thoughts with so many people also present online.

I really enjoyed my time on the insight. Every activity was organised very well, I never felt bored or like things were moving too quickly. There were lots of breakout rooms, which I do not usually like but worked very well on the insight as they were for short activities and it meant that you could meet lots of new people. This insight helped to solidify for me that teaching is a career that I would like to pursue.

Yes

Read all about the Teach First mission and make sure that your views align with theirs before applying. Everyone there is so passionate about it, that if you also agree you will fit in really easily. In the video portion of the application, just be yourself as they will want to see the true version of you, it doesn't matter if it isn't absolutely perfect. If you are thinking of it, just do it. It is a really valuable experience and gives you loads of transferable skills even if you don't end up wanting to go into teaching.