TeachFirst Insight Programme Review

I really enjoyed it. I learnt a lot about the problem of educational inequality, TeachFirst's aims, self-reflection and the basics of lesson planning, classroom control and mentoring.

TeachFirst made us feel valued by stressing our importance in the fight against educational inequality and frequently gave examples of ways we could get involved, whether that was applying for the Leadership Development Programme or joining a social enterprise set up by a TeachFirst ambassador. The school I did my placement at valued me and my colleagues' experiences, allowing us to share that with students and inspre them.

Plenty of support was available in the first week both in and out of hours of the placement. The second week varied from school to school, but the presentations of the first week was sufficient to prepare everybody for their school placement. My school was amazing and gave us plenty of support and guidance, particularly with regards to planning our lesson.

The experience firstly helps us decide if teaching is something we want to pursue which assists us beyond our degree as we make important decisions about our career paths. Personal development was the focus of the two weeks from self-reflective exercises to group tasks and creative thinking talks. All such skills useful in future. Arguably teaching your subject at a lower level was almost like revision of the very basic concepts of our studies which we often forgot, so it was somewhat useful towards our degrees too!

Very clear structure and timetable of the two weeks which showed what activity we would do and what time and why it was important/which TeachFirst competencies we were developing.

Really fun! Everyone is friendly, enthusiastic. If you choose to stay at the accommodation it's even better as everyone goes out and about London afterwards or stays in and hang out together. There were loads of ice breakers which made it fun and pretty much laughter everyday :) My school was great too as the kids were so funny and cheeky! I had great fun planning and conducting my lesson.

Completing the programme allows you to fast track straight to assessment centre for the Leadership Development Programme. If you want to pursue it, a lot has been invested in terms of providing you with knowledge and guidance giving you almost a head start into teaching with them. A lot has also been invested in terms of payment, free accommodation and food/refreshments, plus the free hoody at the end!

We had several ambassadors come in (completed the Leadership Development Programme) tell us about where they are now whether working with TeachFirst in multiple roles, running their own social enterprise or careers outside TeachFirst or in teaching, all working towards combating educational inequality.

Company culture was stressed throughout the programme, even way before at the assessment centre.

Very important. Particularly the school placement week.

£500 for two weeks plus free accommodation. Paid for our own transport and most of our food (I had free breakfast in week one). You can apply to have some costs reimbursed.

Plenty of speakers came in week one from various jobs and positions including some from PwC.

Everyone was invited to celebrate completion of each week at a bar or pub organised by TeachFirst. You could network with speakers during the breaks and those on the insight programme often arranged outside of hours social events like dinners or tours around London, especially if you stayed at the free accommodation.

All stressed in presentations during week one.

If you are considering teaching and feel strongly about TeachFirst's goals, whether you are 100% sure or 10%, apply. It was a fantastic experience, I met amazing like-minded people and made friends from universities all over the country. Going into school was the best part and inspiring students who didn't think they could get into university was the best part. Loved it. Plus so much is free and you're paid - what's not to like? And if you decide to become a TeachFirst teacher you are bypassed straight to assessment centre!