Programme Leader & Lecturer of English Literature

Sunderland College has been delivering highly successful courses for more than 20 years and is one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the North East with approximately 14,300 students. The College has two campuses across the city of Sunderland, offering a wide range of academic and vocational provision for school leavers and adults. The College aims to develop and positively shape lives, communities, and the economy through teaching, learning and development of skills. Our students consistently achieve outstanding results and Sunderland College has been ranked in the top 25% in the country for student achievement rates. In October 2024, we were ranked as Ofsted outstanding, and we are proud of our diverse student and staff community that provide our students with bespoke education pathways to help them achieve their future career goals.

As an employer, we prioritize cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.

To support the ongoing curriculum development and academic excellence in Sunderland Sixth Form, we are seeking to appoint a subject-specialist who can teach A-Level English Literature and demonstrate innovative and outstanding teaching, learning and assessment practices to ensure positive outcomes for learners. This position is suitable for both experienced and newly-qualified teachers, and so we welcome all applications from across a wide range of experience levels. Please note that this is not a people-management position; you will contribute to leading the planning, preparation and development of A-Level English Literature within the Sixth Form. Following the conclusion of this fixed term opportunity, for the right and successful candidate we will be active in seeking longer-term employment opportunities within the Sixth Form or across the wider college, should this be required.

Candidates should possess a degree in (or relating to) English, preferably have fully qualified lecturer or teacher status and experience of teaching English Literature.

Role Responsibilities

• Work with the curriculum manager take an active role in the review and development of the curriculum intent, to ensure planning and preparation of high-quality, sequenced learning through career-focused schemes of learning, session planning and resources.
• Take ownership for the timely maintenance of accurate data at programme/course level to ensure excellence and continual improvement.
• Take an active role in the ongoing development of new programmes of study.
• Take responsibility for ensuring high quality advice and guidance to ensure positive recruitment, retention, achievement, success and progression of individual students, with robust tracking and monitoring.
• Lead on the delivery of exemplary teaching and learning and high standards of assessment.
• Take responsibility for following up issues or concerns, for example attendance or well-being, and lead on the required interventions to address these in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Appropriate degree in or closely related to English.
• Minimum Level 2 Maths and English qualifications.
• Development, delivery & assessment of English.
• Working collaboratively with students and colleagues to review student progress, supporting achievement of learning and personal development goals.
• Planning and delivering sessions that are safe, inclusive, stretching, and relevant to learners.
• Developing students’ confidence, autonomy and thinking skills, using effective assessment processes and student-owned SMART targets.
• Developing appropriate and fair methods of assessment and providing constructive and timely feedback to support student progress and achievement.
• Use creative and innovative approaches to develop students’ mathematics, English, digital and wider employability skills.
• Demonstration of a friendly, approachable and supportive demeanour with students and colleagues, as well as when working with all external stakeholders.
• Keeping students safe and well, including working with experts in relation to safeguarding, Prevent, and welfare issues, and to uphold British Values.
• Leading and/or contributing to internal quality assurance processes relevant to the FE / HE sector.
• Creating inclusive learning experiences by applying knowledge of special educational needs, disabilities or vulnerable learners.
• Using digital technologies safely, effectively and to promote innovative learning.
• Evidence of keeping up to date with industry/subject specialism knowledge, skills and behaviours, and in undertaking professional development within pedagogical practices.

What’s in it for you?

• Join EPNE and you’ll be part of a culture that prioritizes your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.
• Enjoy a generous holiday allowance (35-48 days per year, plus public holidays).
• Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role).
• LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme, (dependent on role 15.7% - 23.68%).
• Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
• We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
• Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
• Free parking on most campuses.

Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check. We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Please contact Adam Sams (Director of Sunderland Sixth Form) should you wish to have an informal chat about the role.