What’s involved?

• teaching science at primary, secondary, GCSE or A-level standard
• devising lesson plans and learning schemes
• supervising laboratory work
• assessing pupils’ work
• administration.

Key skills

• infectious enthusiasm for science
• the ability to explain scientific subjects in a variety of ways
• patience
• excellent organisation and administrative skills
• strong communication skills.

Training

Teachers in state schools must be registered as qualified teachers. The most common training scheme for graduates is the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), which involves classroom-based learning combined with placements in schools. The Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP) is an employment-based training scheme.

Tips for success

Get as much experience as you can and present solid reasons for wanting to train as a teacher.