What the job entails:

Chemistry teachers help students to learn about substances and what they do. They plan and give lessons and do experiments. Experiments look at what happens when substances are put together, or what happens when they are heated or changed in other ways. Learning about chemistry helps us to understand why certain substances are used for particular things. A chemistry teacher needs to make this interesting and to help students to see why it is useful.

Routes and choices while at school:

The first thing to do is to get some GCSEs or equivalent qualifications. To get into teaching you will need English and maths at grade 4 or C or better. The higher the grades you get in your GCSEs or equivalent, the more choice you will have when you apply for a university course. The entry requirements for relevant degrees, will usually be one or more science A-levels or equivalent. Most will require chemistry and many ask for either a second science or maths, as well. Plan ahead and bear this in mind when making your GCSE choices.

Pay:

Pay when starting is about £18,000 to £22,000 per year. When experienced, it is about £31,000 to £36,000. For experts with a lot of experience, pay can rise to £51,000 or more. For some people it can be a lot more.

If you have any careers queries or would like to discuss any aspects of careers in more detail, please see Mrs Halford at Student Services.