Teacher — Secondary School — Chemistry

You would inspire and motivate young people to learn about the properties of matter and how substances interact through chemical reactions to form different substances.

As a chemistry teacher you’d teach the pupils about elements, atoms and molecules and the scientific principles and concepts used to understand the material world.

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.

You’d help your pupils develop skills in the accurate use of scientific language, formulae and equations and how to use practical techniques for scientific inquiry and investigation.

They would learn how scientific discoveries make an impact on people’s lives, society and the enviroment. You’d teach them the capacity to be scientifically literate citizens and prepare the foundations for some pupils to go on to a career in science and technologies.

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 Sciences and National Qualifications, which you would use when planning your teaching.

You would:

• prepare lessons and teaching materials
• assess students’ progress and mark their work
• set homework
• manage classroom behaviour
• discuss students' progress with parents and carers
• organise study trips, social activities and sports events.

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.