Teach First Taster Programme Review
at Teach First
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Teaching
London
Review Submitted: April 2024
Overall Rating
4.8 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4.5/5
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Overview of Experience
4.8/5
-
Skills Development
4.8/5
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Company Culture
5/5
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Overall Experience
5/5
-
Recommendations and Advice
Overview of Experience
Please give an overview of the insight and what was involved on a day-to-day basis.
Day 1:
- Session on the Teach First mission and values.
- A session on personal development
- A debate on whether it is right for pupils to be put into sets.
- An introduction to teaching skills based on their main training programme.
- Time to plan individually for a 6 minute teaching episode to be given on day 2.
- Gained insight into the Training Programme and heard from a panel of Teach First ambassadors.
Day 2:
- Personal development session on LinkedIn and personal branding.
- A session on diversifying the curriculcum, with a group activity where we were able to work on a plan to diversify an aspect of a subject and feedback to the rest of the group.
- Time to watch and teach our 6 minute teaching episodes and receive feedback from a recruiter/talent officer.
- Session on the Teach First mission and values.
- A session on personal development
- A debate on whether it is right for pupils to be put into sets.
- An introduction to teaching skills based on their main training programme.
- Time to plan individually for a 6 minute teaching episode to be given on day 2.
- Gained insight into the Training Programme and heard from a panel of Teach First ambassadors.
Day 2:
- Personal development session on LinkedIn and personal branding.
- A session on diversifying the curriculcum, with a group activity where we were able to work on a plan to diversify an aspect of a subject and feedback to the rest of the group.
- Time to watch and teach our 6 minute teaching episodes and receive feedback from a recruiter/talent officer.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
It was incredibly useful to learn about the Teach First Training Programme since it is one of the routes into teaching which I am considering. Furthermore, througout the two days we were introduced to people working within Teach First such as recruiters. Likewise, we were also told about the role of Brand Managers and how that is something we can get involved in on our university campuses if we so choose.
Please rate how insightful you found the insight
4/5
How would you rate the structure of the insight
5/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
Communication Skills - Many of the activities involved communicating with peers or somebody from Teach First (e.g. the teaching episodes). This provided me with an opportunity to enhance my communication skills which are vital to teaching.
Teaching Skills - The session introducing us to teaching skills (such as using a strong voice, and working the clock) provided a useful insight into what skills I would need. We also had an opportunity to practice these skills.
Networking Skills - Through the LinkedIn personal development session we were taught how to use our LinkedIn profiles effectively. This allowed me to refine my networking skills and ensure my profile is up to the right standard to attract a recruiter in the future.
Teaching Skills - The session introducing us to teaching skills (such as using a strong voice, and working the clock) provided a useful insight into what skills I would need. We also had an opportunity to practice these skills.
Networking Skills - Through the LinkedIn personal development session we were taught how to use our LinkedIn profiles effectively. This allowed me to refine my networking skills and ensure my profile is up to the right standard to attract a recruiter in the future.
How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
5/5
How would you rate the knowledge learned around industry-specific skills during the experience?
5/5
How would you rate the knowledge learned around personal or professional skills during the experience?
5/5
Please rate how the knowledge learned has helped you with regards to your career development
4/5
Company Culture
How would you rate business leader involvement during the insight
4/5
What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
There is a clear, strong emphasis on personal development at Teach First. Whilst we had three sessions on personal development as part of the programme, the recruiters also frequently reflected on their own experiences of personal development (as this clearly forms part of their internal staff training too). There was a friendly atmosphere between staff which made for a nice environment during the two days that I was within their office.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
5/5
How would you rate the networking opportunities?
5/5
Please rate how valued you felt during your insight?
5/5
Overall Experience
To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
Incredibly so! I was able to learn lots about Teach First and teaching which was vital for me because I intend to teach after my degree. Furthermore, I was able to learn about inequalities within education, and the difference that I can make as a teacher, which I found further strengthened my passion to want to go into teaching.
Please rate your level of enjoyment on the insight
5/5
Please rate how your experience met your expectations
5/5
Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
I was reimbursed expenses
Recommendations and Advice
Please rate the future employment prospects at Teach First
5/5
Would you recommend Teach First to a friend?
Yes
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Teach First
If you are considering applying to the Teach First Taster Programme... do it! The two days are invaluable in terms of the things that you can learn. The 6 minute teaching episode forms part of almost every teacher training application (regardless of provider) and so the opportunity to practice it in front of an expert and receive feedback will be invaluable whether you are certain that you want to apply to Teach First, or not.
