Page 42 - Choices Magazine - KS3 - Issue 3
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Qualifications Working JOB:
This area of work is open to graduates Hours Secondary School Teacher
of any discipline but an undergraduate
degree in journalism, English or writing may Journalists quite frequently work long
improve your chances. However, some or unsocial hours. Early in your career, As a secondary school teacher, you will teach pupils aged 11
editors may be more interested in graduates you’re likely to work an early or late to 18. Specialising in a particular subject like ENGLISH, you will
with a specialist degree subject, such as shift pattern. You need to be flexible plan, teach and assess lessons in line with curriculum objectives.
economics or science. to accommodate for breaking news You’ll aim to ensure a healthy culture of learning and will
Experience and personal qualities are and deadlines. support, observe, and record pupils’ progress.
also considered extremely important. Teachers must keep up to date with developments in
Entry without a degree, HND or foundation Skills their subject area, new resources, methods, and national
degree is possible but is becoming objectives. The role involves liaising and networking with other
increasingly difficult. The majority of new You’ll need to show: professionals, parents, and carers, both informally and formally.
entrants to the newspaper journalism • strong written and oral
industry are graduates. communication skills Responsibilities
Graduates can choose from several pre-entry • a keen interest in news, current
routes into newspaper journalism. There are affairs, business, and people As a secondary school teacher, you’ll need to:
full-time, one-year postgraduate courses, • accurate spelling, grammar, • prepare and deliver lessons to classes through academic
which result in a postgraduate diploma or and punctuation of different ages and abilities or personal difficulties
Master’s degree. There are also fast-track, • good organisational skills and
18 to 20-week postgraduate courses. the ability to work under pressure • mark work, give appropriate feedback • communicate with parents
Students should check that their courses to tight deadlines and maintain records of pupils’ progress and carers over pupils’ progress
will be well regarded by potential employers. and development and participate in departmental
• an ability to grasp complex issues • research new topic areas, meetings, parents’ evenings,
quickly and explain them in simple, maintaining up-to-date subject and whole-school training events
concise language knowledge, and devise and write • liaise with other professionals, such as
• resilience, determination, flexibility, new curriculum materials learning mentors, careers advisers,
persistence, motivation and integrity. • select and use a range of different educational psychologists and
learning resources and equipment, education welfare officers
including podcasts and interactive • supervise and support the work of
whiteboards teaching assistants, trainee teachers
For more information about this job and many others linking to English • prepare pupils for qualifications and newly qualified teachers (NQTs)
why not visit the Prospects – Job Profile website. and external examinations • organise and participate in
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/browse-a-to-z#section-A • manage pupil behaviour in the extracurricular activities, such as outings,
classroom and on school premises, social activities and sporting events
and apply appropriate and effective • undergo regular observations and
measures in cases of misbehaviour participate in regular in-service training
• undertake pastoral duties, such as (INSET) as part of continuing professional 43 | JuL Y 2021
taking on the role of form tutor, and development (CPD).
supporting pupils on an individual basis
DECEMBER 2020 | 42
