Teach First Insight Participant Review

I really enjoyed insight, mainly due to the fantastic varied programme which was put on. It wasn't just aimed at one area and gave a variety of sessions to develop different skills - from personal brand, to classroom skills to self evaluation. This variety also ensured every session was different and facilitated in a different way so you never got bored!

Insight really invested a lot in our personal development, by putting on many sessions to really help you develop personally. The fact they took the time to do this really showed that they value all the participants. They also gave a lot of assistance during the application phase too.

There was so much! One dedicated person - Fiona (who was fantastic!) looked after us during the duration of the programme. When we went off into schools in groups, we were encouraged to keep in contact and also someone came to visit us too which was lovely and unexpected. A facebook group was also set up which automatically gave us a way to connect with Teach first and other participants.

It has really helped me discover my personal brand which I will definitely use when applying for future jobs. It also opened my eyes to the "professional London life", an area I had never before been interested in.

There was a clear programme given to us on the first day, with clear aims and objectives. The locations were also fab, and given to us in plenty of time so we could plan our journeys. The different sessions were planned well also so that they were varied and never boring. However, some fairly important information with regard to schools was provided quite late on in the programme, and it would have been nice to have known earlier.

Everyone was really enthusiastic and pumped the whole time. Fiona, who ran it, really helped as she was always so enthusiastic. The closing event was fabulous too, as many of the Teach First network came in and had so much interest for what we had all done. Having a variety of facilitators also really helped provide a fun atmosphere.

They did about three days of personal development sessions, where they got professionals into come and work with us and encourage us to consider aspects of our personal development.

They gave us a four day placement in one of their partner schools, and allowed us the opportunity to interact with many ambassadors so firstly we could actually experience life as an LDP participant, and secondly we could listen to first hand experiences from ambassadors. Moreover, we were introduced to many of the positions available aside from the LDP roles.

It was not office based, so you will never really know how the company operates in the office. However, it did provide a very deep understanding of the ethos of the company, and you could strongly understand that every employee shares in the companies vision.

For me, I am still unsure! However, it was useful in the sense that it gave a real perspective. The first week really glorified the LDP programme, so I was sure I wanted to do it. But then the second week was fantastic as it gave a realistic experience of the LDP so you could make an informed decision.

You were paid and accomodation and breakfast provided. However, travel around London did add up, as well as having to eat out every night due to a lack of cooking facilities!

Yes. All sessions were run by employees and all were happy to chat and answer questions. Moreover, there was a designated afternoon at the end to network.

The networking was good with employees. In terms of social opportunities, it was mainly left to the participants to organise this for ourselves. However, Teach First did provide a facebook group for us and put us in accomodation together which made this easier.

They gave lots of information on this.

If you are interested either in teaching, educational inequality, TeachFirst or just a little bit curious - I would absolutely recommend it. Even if you are not 100% sure, you have nothing to lose and LOADS to gain!