Hi everyone, I’m currently training as a History teacher (PGCE) and have two job offers. I’ll lay it out below but my general question is, is teaching mostly/only KS3 going to be detrimental to my career? I’d like to do a couple years in the UK then try get an international school job. Anyone been given any advice or know anything?…
1) Teaching KS3, GCSE and 2 A-levels (History and Politics). It’s a more demanding timetable which makes me feel anxious/overwhelmed, in a school with a reputation for a toxic management, but lots of structure and shared resources for a new teacher.
2) Teaching only KS3 and potentially a year 12 class in first year. Probably GCSE then added in year 2. But overall a KS3 heavy timetable and potential for other bits and bobs like citizenship to make up the hours. Less demanding and school 2 has a reputation for being laid-back with lots of teacher autonomy, but less structured and organised for a new teacher, and lacking shared resources.
To summarise, school 1 might break me and I worry I’d quit teaching if it proved too much. But would School 2’s offer of mostly teaching ages 11-14 at first limit my future prospects and employability, particularly in the international market? Is taking mostly KS3 a risk or something to be avoided as an ECT? Any thoughts on any of this welcome!