Teacher - Secondary School - Physical Education

Have you got what it takes to help young people achieve sporting success? As a physical education (PE) teacher, you'll inspire learners to study sport, fitness and health.

You'll help young people build the skills and knowledge they need to have a positive life when they leave school. Working in a state or independent school, you could teach students who are between 11 and 18 years old. Some PE teachers are based in a college or learning centre.

PE teachers work with students of all abilities! You'll prepare young people to take National Qualifications and Highers in your subject.

You'll encourage pupils to take responsibility for their health and wellbeing. It's your job to help them understand why and how to keep themselves fit and healthy.

As a PE teacher, you'll teach a range of different sports and activities – you may even coach a school team in competitions! You’ll make sure your pupils exercise safely and understand how the human body works.

You'll inspire students to take pride in their achievements, both in and beyond the classroom. It's your job to help them build good relationships with other students and teachers, playing a positive part in school life and the local community.

Sometimes, you'll deal with challenging behaviour! It can be difficult to get some teenagers to take part in activities. So, you'll need to be imaginative and enthusiastic to keep them interested.

You'll occasionally attend meetings and training courses. PE teachers work closely with colleagues to plan school timetables. Occasionally, you'll collaborate with other professionals, such as educational psychologists and social workers.

Your tasks might include:

• preparing lessons and teaching materials

• assessing students’ progress and marking their work

• setting homework and marking it once the students submit it

• managing behaviour in the classroom, sports field and gym hall

• discussing students' progress with parents, carers and other education professionals

• organising sporting events and matches with other schools and colleges

• Teach in Scotland – find out everything you need to know about working as a PE teacher

• The General Teaching Council for Scotland – explore the independent regulator for teachers

• Education Scotland – check out curriculum information, advice and resources for teachers across the country

• Disclosure Scotland – learn about the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme