I am a history teacher and am second in charge of a large humanities department. I do not want to progress any further as a manager, but want to develop my subject interest. Would becoming an exam marker be a good idea, as well as providing insights that might benefit pupils?

The simple answer is yes, it would. Understanding the examination process from the inside can provide additional benefits that will inform your teaching.

There is also the wider question about the direction of your career. You will need to think where you would like to be in five to 10 years’ time.

Even with additional responsibilities for being an examiner, by then you may be thinking about fresh challenges.

If you want to keep up your subject interest, it is vital that you stay up to date with the latest thinking. This will encompass both subject knowledge and the application of the subject to teaching. If you do not already have a higher degree, this may be a necessity if you want to progress further.