Remember that each child is different and therefore they need to be treated as an individual.

I chose to become a teacher as I have always had a passion for my subject and wanted to share it with others. In addition I had friends/family who were teachers and they never complained of the job being boring and talked of the various challenges that they experience every day.

I undertook my undergraduate degree in Science and Management at Napier University, then went straight on to the PGCE at UEA.

I do have to say that my PGCE course did prepare me well and I had confidence from day one.

My first teaching job was at a city comprehensive in Norwich. The school had about 1700 on role and I taught Physics and Electronics. I moved on to my current school after two years to be Head of Physics. This involved more management responsibilities and developing the curriculum. The Head of Science stepped down two years later and I was promoted, after interview, to the post.

The role of Head of Department is quite varied. I have overall responsibility for Health and Safety, the development of the whole Science curriculum, timetabling the department, managing teachers and technicians and communicating with parents and students.

I teach 38 periods a fortnight which is about seven less than a full time teacher with no responsibility. The job does not fit into those hours and so working outside of school time is essential. However the reduction does give me the chance to get into lessons and meet with staff. Typically I work from 7.45 am until about 5.30 pm. However, as I am at a boarding school I do often work into the evening. There are busy times throughout the year such as meeting coursework deadlines so each day does vary.

My next career step will probably be to move to another school to do the same job so that I can build on my experiences. However I could look at going down a pastoral route, such as Head of Year, or move up to Assistant Principal.

My main piece of advice would be to remember that each child is different and therefore they need to be treated as an individual. Allow the students to see that you are human and that you will treat them with fairness and respect. Teaching demands a lot of energy, particularly in the first few years, and so be prepared to give it 100%. If you do then it will give you so much more in return including a tremendous sense of achievement and satisfaction.

Teaching allows me to continue to practice and enjoy my subject but at the same time, it provides me with the opportunity to develop my communication, management and leadership skills. It is a profession that I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who has energy, ambition and a good sense of humour!