Lecturer for Project-Based Learning

Hours; Full time (37hrs per week, all year round)

Location; Dearne Valley College, Rotherham

Are you a passionate and resilient educator ready to make a real difference?

We are seeking a Lecturer in Project-Based Learning (PBL) to join our college Group. This isn't your typical classroom role; we're looking for someone who can inspire and empower learners through hands-on, real-world experiences, primarily in outdoor and nature-based settings.

This crucial position focuses on supporting students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, those who have been Electively Home Educated (EHE), and individuals with no prior qualifications or limited formal education. Your creative, student-centred approach will help these young people develop essential employability, personal development, and life skills, ensuring no one is disadvantaged.

About the Role

As our PBL Lecturer, you'll be instrumental in shaping the futures of our students. Your responsibilities will include:

• Designing and delivering an engaging, practical curriculum for Entry 3 and Level 1 learners, with a strong emphasis on outdoor and nature-based activities in conservation/woodland areas, all-weather sports areas, or natural environments. Our programmes are structured over a 12-week learning reference period.


• Cultivating a calm, purposeful learning environment where students feel safe to explore, learn, and grow. You'll understand that behaviour is often a form of communication and respond with a fully therapeutic and nurturing approach.


• Implementing differentiated teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of all students, particularly those with complex barriers to learning, ensuring accessibility and engagement for everyone.


• Integrating maths, English, and digital literacy naturally within your project-based curriculum, preparing students for functional skills or GCSE programmes.


• Building strong, trusting relationships with students, acting as a mentor and role model. You'll use trauma-informed, restorative, and positive behaviour management strategies to foster self-regulation and independence.


• Tracking and assessing student progress through a portfolio-based, reflective approach, providing regular constructive feedback and coaching to build confidence and self-reliance.


• Collaborating with internal and external partners, employers, and community organisations to create meaningful real-world project opportunities and ensure clear transition pathways into higher-level technical study or workplace learning.

You will…

You'll be a creative, resilient, and highly empathetic individual with a genuine passion for inclusive education. Specifically, we're seeking someone who:

• Has high expectations for all students and can build successful relationships based on high-quality inclusive teaching and learning.


• Is committed to an educational experience that fosters a lifelong relationship between students and the natural world.


• Can design and deliver Project-Based Learning that integrates vocational, personal development, and employability skills for students with complex socio-emotional needs.


• Is skilled in using evidence-based and assistive teaching strategies to support students with complex barriers to learning.


• Is flexible and responsive to individual student needs, adhering to SEMH and alternative provision best practices.


• Can plan, organise, and deliver supportive interventions to help students overcome barriers to participation.


• Is adept at coaching techniques to empower students, improve their mental health and well-being, and build self-reliance.


• Is prepared to work within a challenging environment with learners who have complex support needs, offering every learner a second chance and a fresh start each day.

You will have knowledge of SEND, ECHPs and Safeguarding best practices as well as excellent classroom management and trauma informed behaviour strategies.

You will hold a Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification in English and Maths, a teaching qualification at level 5 or above (or be willing to undertake), an ideally a specialist SEND related qualification.

Department Info

You will report to the Director of Inclusive Curriculum (HNs, PBL, 14-16) at your designated campus. You'll work collaboratively alongside other Lecturers, Pastoral Coaches, Job Coaches, and Learning Support Assistants, contributing to a holistic support system for our learners.

Our excellent benefits and rewards package:

• Access to teachers pensions scheme


• Up to 50 days annual leave per year including closure during Christmas period


• Access to our gyms, restaurants and salons


• Staff health & wellbeing and benefits schemes including in-house Occupational Health service


• Full, part time and flexible working hours available in many roles


• Parking available at all of our sites


• Fantastic career development opportunities including funding for teacher training, apprenticeships and various other industry recognised qualifications


• New FE teachers can also apply for grants of up to £6,000 in STEM subjects (conditions apply) through the levelling up premium payments initiative


• Recruitment Referral Scheme for all employees, worth up to £200 per referral made

What is the RNN Group?

RNN Group’s main goal is to be an ‘outstanding’ education and training provider and this is at the heart of everything that we do. To help us achieve this we are looking to recruit highly motivated, innovative and dynamic individuals to join our existing teams. To be a part of the team at RNN Group we will expect you to be committed to our values too;

• We are Inclusive,


• We have Integrity,


• We Deliver,


• We are One Team.

We are OFSTED ‘Good’ (November 2022)

We celebrate diversity and are proud to have been recognised as Investors in Diversity for our commitment to the FREDIE (Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement) Model.  This means that you’d be working in a supportive environment that encourages, recognises and celebrates effort, achievement and cooperative attitudes. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, faith or disability. We are also proud to be part of the Disability Confidence Scheme.

The RNN Group is proud to be part of the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology (SYIoT).

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, vulnerable adults and young people. All new employees will be required undertake a DBS check and other associated checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education Guidance.

All candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK.

Closing date: Monday 30 June 2025 at 12:00 Noon – if you are shortlisted for this post you will be contacted within a week of the closing date.

Provisional Interview Date: w/c 7 July 2025  

To find out more about the RNN Group, and how to apply visit our website - https://www.rnngroup.co.uk/working-with-us-for-everyone/careers/

If you require further information about this vacancy please contact the HR department on 01709 722750 or recruitment@rnngroup.ac.uk