Question 3. Where does it take place?
Answer. In 2006 there will be two Summer Institutes - one at The University of Manchester and the other at Canterbury Christ Church University. The Greater Manchester Teach First Participants will be trained at The University of Manchester for the first three weeks of the institute, after which they will join the London participants in Canterbury for the remaining three weeks. Participants in both regions will spend Weeks 2 and 3 in schools in their placement  regions.

Question 4. Where will I live over the summer?
Answer. You will live in the university residence halls with other Teach First participants. Living together will provide an opportunity for participants to get to know each other, so that you can support one another throughout the summer and rest of the two-year programme.

Question 5. Will I be paid during the Summer Institute?
Answer. Teach First will provide all accommodation and meals at the Summer Institute during the six week summer training institute; however, participants will not be paid during this period.

Question 6. Will there be any financial assistance available?
Answer. Yes, there is assistance available. Teach First realises that most participants are in transition from university, and as such will not receive any money until the end of September. Therefore Teach First has made every effort to support participants requiring additional financial assistance. Firstly, Teach First will offer a reference, which will help participants gain financial assistance and accommodation for the autumn. Secondly, the Teach First staff compiles a list of the support provided by each Local Educational Authority (LEA) in which our participants work. LEAs typically offer support including information on low-priced accommodation and interest-free loans for travel cards. 

Additionally, financial support may be available through the individual participant’s school. Teach First compiles a list of free and discounted resources for teachers. For example, in the past Teach First has arranged for participants to purchase low cost computers through the Tools for Schools programme.  

Question 7. How will I be trained to teach my chosen subject?
Answer. You will be trained to teach your subject through classes, workshops and school experiences over the course of the Summer Institute. Most of your subject training will come through the subject studies course. Taught by an experienced teacher from your subject area, subject studies will offer you a solid foundation for teaching your discipline in the classroom, which will supplement the knowledge you have developed through your degree. During the year, your subject support continues with six training days that bring together all of the Teach First participants who teach the same subject. A tutor who has expertise in your subject will lead these training days and will be supported for part of the time by a Teach First ambassador who has been through the Teach First programme. 

Question 8. How will I be trained to manage a classroom?
Answer. Classroom management is a skill like any other, one which needs to be learned and then practiced. You will begin to learn about classroom management through the classes, workshops and school experiences you have during the summer. The Professional Studies course will provide participants with information and forums for discussion about management techniques and styles. However, it is in the schools during Weeks 2 and 3 and during the year when participants will develop their personal styles for managing their classrooms.

Question 9. Will I have experience in schools during the Summer Institute?
Answer. Yes, you will have opportunities to work with pupils over the summer. In Week 2, you will train in your London or Greater Manchester school. During this week you will observe the workings of your school, assist staff and pupils and get the information necessary for you to begin planning for teaching during the year. Your summer training will include one week in a contrasting school in your region (for London participants, this will be in nearby Kent).  This week provides participants with an opportunity to observe pupils and teachers in a school different from the one they attended and in which they will team-teach. 

Question 10. Will I gain a recognised teaching qualification by the end of the Summer Institute?
Answer. You will gain your qualified teacher status (QTS) at the end of your first year teaching. You will not have this qualification at the end of the Summer Institute. You enter your school in the Autumn with the status of an unqualified teacher. QTS is the most important aspect of any teacher training programme, and you will not be officially recognised as a teacher until you achieve this at the end of the first year.