Teacher — Secondary School — Art and Design

You would inspire and motivate young people learn about different styles and forms of visual arts and to create their own artworks.

You would teach young people from 11 to 18 years old, in state and independent schools. You might also work in a college or learning centre.

As an art and design teacher you’d help your pupils value and develop their creativity and imagination. You’d teach them the practical skills to express themselves by creating their own art in a wide variety of forms including painting, drawing, sculpture, digital design, photography and textiles.

You’d help young people develop an appreciation of aesthetic and cultural values, identities and ideas and prepare the foundations for some pupils to go on to a career in the arts.

You’d teach students of different ages and abilities and prepare young people to take the National Qualifications and Highers in this subject.

There is national guidance for Curriculum for Excellence expressive arts and National Qualifications, which you would use when planning your teaching.

You would:

• prepare lessons and teaching materials
• assess students’ progress
• set homework
• manage classroom behaviour
• discuss students' progress with parents and carers
• organise study trips, social activities and take lead in school in school exhibitions and art shows

You’d encourage the students to take pride in their achievements inside and outside school. You’d support them to build good relationships with other students and teachers and play a positive part in the life of the school and the local community.

You’d help them get the knowledge, skills and attributes they’ll need for a successful and positive life when they leave school.

Sometimes you will need to deal with challenging behaviour. It may be difficult to get some teenagers to study so you’d need to be imaginative and enthusiastic to keep them interested.

You’d need to attend meetings and training courses. You’d work closely with colleagues to plan the school’s timetables, and work with other professionals such as education psychologists and social workers.