Teacher - Secondary School - Biology

You would inspire young people to learn about life and how organisms survive, thrive and change.

As a biology teacher, you’d teach pupils about cells, genes and evolution. You would also teach pupils the scientific principles and concepts used to understand the living world.

You would work with young people from 11 to 18 years old. You could work in public or private schools. You may also work in a college or learning centre.

You’d help your pupils learn how to use scientific language, formulae and equations and practical techniques for scientific investigation.

They would learn how scientific discoveries impact people’s lives, society and the environment.

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

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

Sometimes you will need to deal with challenging behaviour. It may be difficult to get some teenagers to study so you'll 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, You would also work with other professionals, such as education psychologists and social workers.

• Teach in Scotland - About a career in teaching: how to apply, studying, early career and professional development

• Education Scotland - Curriculum information, and advice and resources for teachers in Scotland

• Disclosure Scotland – More about the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme