Teacher — Secondary School — Drama

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Career outlook for teacher — secondary school — drama

UK Salary Ranges

Entry-level

£30,000

Experienced

£47,000


Currently employed in Scotland

28,900

Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.

What's it like?

You would inspire and motivate young people to learn practical skills in drama and experience the excitement and energy of acting and performing.

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 a drama teacher you’d help your pupils value their creativity and imagination and use them to develop their acting skills. They would learn about ways to develop enjoyable and stimulating performances and collaborate with others to create an exciting dramatic experience.

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 and mark their work
  • set homework
  • manage classroom behaviour
  • discuss students' progress with parents and carers
  • organise study trips, social activities and take the lead on school plays and performances

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 educational psychologists and social workers.

Working conditions

Hours

Teaching takes place for 39 weeks a year, usually from 9am to 3.30pm or 4pm. You are likely to spend several more hours outside of these times, planning lessons, marking pupils' work and taking part in activities such as outings, parent evenings and training.

Environment

Secondary school teachers often have a base classroom but will sometimes need to move books and equipment between rooms. As a drama teacher you would often work in the school hall or theatre.

Travel

You could do supply teaching where you work in different schools for short periods to cover the absences of permanent teachers.

UK employment status

Full-time

72%

Part-time

26%

Self employed

2%

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Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.

  • Supporting
  • Verbal communication
  • Creative
  • Empathising
  • Respecting
  • Social conscience
  • Ethical
  • Coaching
  • Mentoring
  • Motivating others

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Getting in

Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Qualifications

You'll need a degree in a related subject such as Drama, Acting or Theatre Studies (SCQF level 9 or10).

To become a qualified teacher, you'll need to complete a Professional Graduate Diploma in Education in Drama (SCQF level 11).

To enter a degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers or a relevant HNC/HND.

To enter a PGDE your degree must have at least 80 credit points in drama, the 80 Credit Points must include at least 40 credit points in the practical aspects of drama such as stage design or directing. 

Useful subjects

  • Higher English (required by many courses) 
  • National 5 Maths (required by many courses) 
  • Drama
  • Social studies subjects such as Psychology

You will also need

To be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland.

Helpful to have

Qualifications and experience that demonstrate the ability to work with children or young people, communication skills and experience in drama will be helpful.

You will be expected to support literacy, numeracy and health and wellbeing as well as your own subject.