New market research released reveals that almost half (49%) of adults surveyed in Greater London work in a job or career related to one of their favourite subjects from their time at school.
Thinking back to being at school, the survey shows English, maths and history are among the subjects people in Greater London enjoyed the most from their school days. Almost three quarters (72%) of those surveyed who have a favourite subject, said their teachers’ passion for the subject helped spark their interest in it.
The national survey of over 2,000 people for Get into Teaching – the campaign aimed at encouraging people to consider teaching as a career – explores the public’s views on their favourite subjects from their school days, and the impact of teachers well beyond the classroom years.
The findings coincide with the launch of a new online film featuring contributions from a variety of teachers from schools across the country, capturing what they love most about the subjects they teach, and how they engage and inspire students every day.
Created in collaboration with the national Get into Teaching campaign, the heart-warming film – called ‘My Favourite Subject’ – highlights how teachers use their energy and creativity to bring their subjects to life and shows other people how they could use their passion for a subject to inspire the next generation of scientists, mathematicians, artists, and linguists.
Whilst many people have carved out a career related to one of their most-liked subjects, almost two thirds (63%) of respondents in Greater London say that they use knowledge they gained from being taught their favourite subjects at school in their current job role.
More than four in five (83%) adults surveyed in Greater London agree that teachers can help spark a student’s interest in a subject or inspire curiosity.
Not only do teachers spark interest in the students they teach, but they also get to do a fulfilling job related to a subject they have a passion for. In previous research for Get Into Teaching, 98% of teachers surveyed in England agreed it is rewarding to teach a subject they love every day.
Roger Pope, spokesperson for the Get Into Teaching campaign and a National Leader of Education, said: “Our research shows the impact that good teachers can have on their students, way beyond the classroom years. For many of us, school subjects ignite interests, which evolve into passions and often lead us to the careers we choose later in life.
“When it comes to teaching as a career, you not only get to immerse yourself in a subject you’re passionate about every day, but you are also in the unique position where you can channel this enthusiasm to inspire others in the classroom.
“What stands out in our new film ‘My Favourite Subject’, is how teachers thrive on sparking the curiosity of their students, through their own enthusiasm and energy for what is their own favourite subject. It’s truly inspiring.
“I would encourage anyone with a passion for a particular topic or subject to consider teaching and search Get Into Teaching to find out more.”
The teachers who feature in today’s new film demonstrate how they can make subject content enjoyable by rooting lessons in everyday life. It seems this can help engage young people and adults alike – as more than three quarters (77%) of people surveyed in Greater London agree that being taught something new is more enjoyable if it’s related to the world around them.
In a subject-related question, over half (53%) of those surveyed in Greater London correctly identified that music wouldn’t exist without mathematical structures.
Shalina Patel, a history teacher at Claremont High School Academy, Harrow, who stars in today’s new film, said: “Helping to shape the lives of the next generation on a daily basis is a real privilege. For me, you can’t beat the moments you see a student’s face light up when they learn something new in one of your lessons.
“When it comes to history, it really is a subject that you can never finish learning. I love teaching History in a way that surprises students, by for example teaching students more familiar history alongside the stories of more diverse contexts and figures.
“Through sharing this history my aim is to help get my students excited about the subject, as I want my students to love the subject just as much as I do.
“I’m so proud to have contributed to today’s new film, which celebrates teachers’ love for their favourite subjects. I would encourage anyone thinking about their next steps who has the passion and potential to teach to find out more about making it their career.”
Almost three quarters (73%) of those surveyed in Greater London agree that helping someone else engage or get excited about a topic they are passionate about makes them feel that they are making a difference.
The Get Into Teaching service has experienced advisers available to give free support and advice about training to teach. As a new teacher, you’ll start on a minimum salary of £25,000 to £32,000 depending on location.
To register your interest in teaching and find out more about initial teacher training starting from September, visit: https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk or call the Get Into Teaching line on 0800 389 2500.
