Teacher - Secondary School - Modern Studies

Are you excited by the chance to teach young people about the political and social issues affecting Scotland and the wider world?

As a modern studies teacher, you'll encourage young people to learn about the way society works, think about democracy and understand how laws are made.

You'll inspire and motivate pupils to explore conflicts of ideas, values and how they can influence events by exercising democracy and citizenship.

Working in a state or independent school, you'll teach students who are between 11 and 18 years old as they prepare to take National Qualifications or Highers in the subject. Some modern studies teachers are based in a college or learning centre.

Modern studies teachers 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 pupils 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. Modern studies 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 pupils’ progress and marking their work

• setting homework and marking it once the students have submitted it

• managing behaviour in your classroom

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

• organising study trips or social activities – modern studies teachers usually take part in a few outings each year

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