Social Science Tutor - Fixed-Term

Social Science Tutor - Fixed-Term

Salary: £33,000 Per annum

We are looking for a full-time social science tutor to join our team at Kaplan Digital Pathways. This is a fixed term role until August 2024. If you are currently employed by Kaplan International Pathways this role is available as a secondment.

Our approach to teaching:

From Autumn 2022, we have offered a digital Foundation Certificate and Pre-Masters through the Kaplan Pathways Digital Programme which is run and delivered online, with support from our existing Colleges. There is a mix of synchronous and asynchronous activities as well as sessions with a learning advisor to ensure students are supported throughout their course.

At the heart of our educational approach is a belief in supporting students to become independent, motivated learners who will thrive in higher education. To do this, we recognise the need to provide a flexible, responsive experience which meets needs of learners who differ in background, requirements and pace.

Our classes focus on active learning and lessons are primarily student-centred. By introducing students to material before class, we use class time for discussion, real-world problem solving and project work, with a strong emphasis on group work and pair work. Technology is embedded into our approach within classes as well as within each curriculum area – from use of engaging multimedia study materials to convey concepts through to online testing in class which allows us assess students’ understanding in ‘real time’. Providing an individualised, differentiated learning experience is also a key strand in our approach. Students are involved in shaping their programme so that they specialise in their area of interest according to their strengths and intended progression route and get the chance to undertake projects personalised to their interest and path.  

For many – tutors and students alike - this is a very different model for learning but one which results in highly engaged students who take responsibility for their academic success.

Our students learn in a wide variety of ways, enabling them to develop the behaviours and skills needed for university in the UK.  As students move through their programme, teachers will be directing, guiding and supporting them in different ways at different times.  The focus will be for students to participate in:

• a range of learning activities including: active learning, workshops, laboratory sessions, online support through the VLE, project-focussed and other Applied Learning tasks as well as more traditional lectures and seminars

• assessment to receive feedback on their work so they may improve, and to arrive at their summative marks. 

• activities with Learning Advisors, including reviewing progress, ensuring VLE engagement and being taking up support/intervention/stretching activities so they can achieve their potential.  Students may also be signposted to other non-academic support as needed.

• work to support the development of their e-Portfolio

Your role

You will plan, prepare, deliver, review and make enhancements to all of these learning experiences for students, including:

• Teaching students content in the relevant subject area as outlined in the module specification, at foundation certificate (RQF Level 3) pre-masters (CEFR B2 level) and/or International Year One (in colleges where this is offered)

• Delivering lessons and other learning activities that engage and inspire students to achieve and learn effectively

• Working in a team of Digital Pathways tutors to enhance the student experience through innovative online teaching methods and active monitoring of student engagement

• Creating and updating active learning and assessment content, and sharing these across the Kaplan International Pathways network

• Embedding appropriate digital technologies in learning and assessment methods, so that it adds value or creates efficiency or improves student engagement

• Working with colleagues to ensure consistency of delivery of content and assessment processes and sharing these across the Kaplan International Pathways network; this may involve coordinating others also teaching on the module and may vary depending on individual college needs

• Contributing subject expertise where required for content and assessments across a range of modules

• Supporting students to develop their e-portfolio

• Be responsible for implementing the Kaplan policy for safeguarding young people and vulnerable adults

You will also

• Develop and implement a range of innovative teaching methods that engage and meet the needs of all students

• Devise and deliver a range of enrichment and enhancement activities that raise students’ aspirations and achievements using relevant industry and academic networks

• Develop and implement module examinations and other forms of assessment, marking, providing feedback to students and moderation and standardisation; this may include coordinating others also teaching on the module and may vary depending on individual college needs

• Support the use of digital technologies in learning activities and develop your own competencies through personal and professional development;

• Assist with the development and maintenance of the College Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of student attendance and performance and use these to inform reports to stakeholders

• Participate in regular meetings with teaching and support staff and represent the College at appropriate events and meetings

• Act as a Learning Advisor including reviewing students’ progress, checking on VLE engagement, monitoring welfare and offering support/intervention where required

• Advise on e-portfolio development

• Participate in all relevant administration and organisational tasks; registering student attendance; fulfilling any other duties as designated by the College Management

• Be responsible for implementing the Kaplan policy for safeguarding young people and vulnerable adults

About you:

You will enjoy working in a fast-paced environment with international students, be student focussed, be open to change and development, and be committed to ensuring our students’ success. You will need:

• Experience of teaching to post 16 students (a teaching qualification would be an advantage)

• The ability to plan, deliver and review a range of learning activities that guide and support students to achieve and flourish

• The ability to develop and update innovative teaching material that engages all students

• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a range of different teams in order to continually improve the student experience

• Flexibility and willingness to work under pressure to deadlines in a fast-paced and dynamic environment

• A strong commitment to continuous professional development and a proven track record of using this to enhance the student experience

• Demonstrable experience of using technology to inform teaching practice and a willingness to embrace innovations

• A Post Graduate qualification but strong first degree or relevant professional experience will be considered

About us:

Kaplan International Pathways, a division of Kaplan Inc., offers international students a wide range of flexible study options - from University preparation programmes in the UK, Australia, USA, China and Japan through to full degree programmes in Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia. Through our academic partnerships with leading universities, our expertise in student recruitment, our exceptional teaching and a real focus on customer service and pastoral care, each year we are proud to welcome thousands of students from more than 100 countries through the doors of our colleges.

In the UK, we operate 9 campus-based colleges in partnership with Bournemouth University, University of Glasgow, University of Liverpool, Nottingham Trent University, University of Nottingham, University of Brighton, University of Essex, University of York and University of West of England, Bristol and an off-campus college in London offering pathways to 8 leading well-ranked UK universities.

Special Requirements

A DBS check will be required

Please apply with a CV and Cover Letter.

Closing Date: 5th June 2023

Interviews: w/c 12th June 2023

For an informal discussion of the role, please contact Adam Stewart, Digital Pathways Course Director (adam.stewart@kaplan.com)

Benefits

• 28 days annual leave*

• Big discounts on Kaplan courses for you and your family

• 24/7 confidential helpline providing counselling and other support services

• Company pension contributions

• Maternity, Adoption, Shared Parental and Paternity/Partner pay which is well above statutory levels

• Medicash Health Cash Plan

*Please note that the annual leave entitlement will be calculated on a pro rata basis if the role is part time.

At Kaplan International, we are committed to working in a diverse organisation and strive to provide equality of opportunity for all. We encourage and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or identity, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnership. If as a disabled applicant (as defined under the Equality Act 2010) you would like to request that your application is considered our Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) please let us know using this form

As part of our commitment to safeguarding, successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. 

Applicants must be able to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK. 

For international students who have the rights to stay in the UK following graduation, we welcome application under the Graduate Route visa.