Case studies: Secondary school teacher: Sarah

Sarah teaches philosophy and applied ethics and is deputy head of house at a boy's grammar school. She completed an undergraduate degree in religious education, social philosophy and applied ethics at Cardiff University, followed by a PGCE in Religious Education

I feel that my subject of study at university was incredibly relevant to my current teaching role, and in fact, it is almost an extension of my degree.

My typical working day starts early, about 8am, where I do any last minute photocopying or preparation for the day. After that there is usually a staff briefing followed by assembly or registration with my tutor group, and then a full five-period day of teaching with a mixture of key stage 3, 4, and 5 pupils. The day is fast paced and challenging, but full of fun.

I am now in my third year of teaching and I am much more organised and secure in what I am doing. Consequently, I feel as if I am contributing in a very positive way. My career goals include developing my role within the pastoral house system, and a few years down the road perhaps moving towards a more senior position in either the academic or pastoral area.

I love the fact that everyday is completely different and there's never a day that I wake up and feel like I don't want to go to work. I enjoy it and feel that I learn as much as the boys do. It's just good fun and I'm doing what I love, in a subject that I love.

The work can be demanding and challenging, and as someone who takes her job very seriously, I recognise how important it is to try and manage my time effectively. However, I am proud to be working in a sector that continually encourages people to be the best that they can. I feel that for someone like me, it's very important to have a goal to aim for.

I advise those considering the teaching profession to be aware that it is hard work, but ultimately worth doing. I feel that the smallest thing can completely turn a day around, and a student saying thank you for a lesson will make all the hard work worth it.