Teach First OFFICIAL Application / Assessment Centre thread

Hi all,

I've just started working on my application. I find the competency questions super hard.

Do you think that getting in to teach sciences or maths is a bit less competitive than history/English/primary etc?

I know that my academic credentials are good enough, I've got a first from a UK university and my A-level equivalents are good. I went to school outside of the UK though, hopefully that won't affect my chances...

I really want to work in teaching or policy and think that Teach First would allow me to keep both options open.

I'm just really worried they'd think I'm unsuitable as I'm currently two years into my PhD, which I've decided to quit and to write up as an MPhil. Soon after I started I totally knew that research wasn't for me, but it has really taken me a lot of time and courage to admit and acknowledge that and to decide to quit. It's kind of scary leaving my "comfort zone" (academia/lab) and I feel totally guilty about it. I hope they're understanding about people who want a career change at Teach First.

When I was an undergraduate all of my work experience was always just in research as I thought that's what I wanted to do. I've done some science outreach and public engagement work with kids but outside of that I feel like I have very little experience compared to everyone.

I'm also worried that the answers I'm thinking of writing down for the questions might be a little bit too personal rather than straight from workplace. Especially for the resilience one I'm tempted to write about the harshest adversity I ever faced, but that was super personal! Basically me and my husband both graduated at the same time, but just as the last semester of our undergrads started he got very seriously ill, was hospitalized for long periods of time and then my father-in-law passed away on top of that. So I had to juggle between supporting my husband, his family, writing up my dissertation, attending lectures, studying for finals and also helping my husband with his academic stuff...

Can anyone help me whether that would be suitable to use at all?

xx

Hope this helps

Hi all,

I've just started working on my application. I find the competency questions super hard.

Do you think that getting in to teach sciences or maths is a bit less competitive than history/English/primary etc?

I know that my academic credentials are good enough, I've got a first from a UK university and my A-level equivalents are good. I went to school outside of the UK though, hopefully that won't affect my chances...

I really want to work in teaching or policy and think that Teach First would allow me to keep both options open.

I'm just really worried they'd think I'm unsuitable as I'm currently two years into my PhD, which I've decided to quit and to write up as an MPhil. Soon after I started I totally knew that research wasn't for me, but it has really taken me a lot of time and courage to admit and acknowledge that and to decide to quit. It's kind of scary leaving my "comfort zone" (academia/lab) and I feel totally guilty about it. I hope they're understanding about people who want a career change at Teach First.

When I was an undergraduate all of my work experience was always just in research as I thought that's what I wanted to do. I've done some science outreach and public engagement work with kids but outside of that I feel like I have very little experience compared to everyone.

I'm also worried that the answers I'm thinking of writing down for the questions might be a little bit too personal rather than straight from workplace. Especially for the resilience one I'm tempted to write about the harshest adversity I ever faced, but that was super personal! Basically me and my husband both graduated at the same time, but just as the last semester of our undergrads started he got very seriously ill, was hospitalized for long periods of time and then my father-in-law passed away on top of that. So I had to juggle between supporting my husband, his family, writing up my dissertation, attending lectures, studying for finals and also helping my husband with his academic stuff...

Can anyone help me whether that would be suitable to use at all?

xx

I just got through to an assesment centre on the 24th. In my example I didnt use personal examples but the recruiter I met said that was fine. The one thing i was told to avoid is mentioning exams/driving tests/obvious examples. So if it was a choice between mentioning something academic vs something personal I would choose personal. As long as you show the ability to reflect and learn from the experience, no matter what it was, I think thats what they look for. Make sure you speak to/meet a recruiter before you send off your application too. They are really helpful!! Also a lack of teaching expereince doesnt matter. Mention the outreach work for sure, maybe as an example of "working with people who are different to yourself". Try an include as much "non-academic" stuff as possible.

All the best!!

Hey,

Congratulations on getting to the AC!

Thank you so much for your reply too! I really wish I could actually meet a recruiter but as far as I'm aware there aren't any in the city I'm currently based in.

How specific answers did you guys give to the questions that come under the Knowledge section? Do you think that even with these questions it would be best to stick to just one example?

On the Knowledge ones I think they are looking for how well you know what the program entails. So have a look around the website before writing your answers. One of the questions was "how will you continue to address educational disadvantage over the two years?" ... for this one have a look at some of the testimonials and the "life after the two years" section on the website. If you do your homework, those questions should be fine!

I think everyone will get a call so hold tight until your recruiter calls before sending it off!

Hello all,

I started an application on 2nd July and sent it off on the 6th. During this time no one from the TF Recruitment team contacted me by phone. Should I be worried?

Hey guys,

Just planning my lesson for my AC - it seems a lifetime ago that I was in KS3! I feel like my lesson is TOO SIMPLE! Can that ever be an issue, even though it answers the question and is fun and interactive?

The group task is getting me nervous...it seems like it's just a lottery of who we get put with on the day..eeeekkk.

Holls.