Adam Sams

I completed my A-Levels at Darlington QE Sixth Form in Geography, Psychology, PE and Biology and gained my degree in BSc (Hons) Geography at Northumbria University, before completing my PGCE at Sunderland University.

I still maintain strong links with Northumbria University, and regularly organise visits and lectures for my A-Level Geography students.

I have worked at Sunderland College, leading the A-Level Geography course, for the past seven years. For the last two years I have been Curriculum Manager for Social Sciences and Humanities in Sunderland Sixth Form, that includes our popular A-Levels in Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, Law, History, Geography, Politics, and both English Language and Literature.

As Curriculum Manager of Sunderland Sixth Form, I oversee all of the A-Level delivery, ensuring our students have a fantastic experience whilst studying with us in their subject area, receive the support and care that they need, in order to achieve their absolute potential and beyond.

Me and my team are aspirational for all of our learners, pushing them to be the best people and to pursue academic and professional excellence with us and in their future!

I love my subject of Geography, and the passion I have to enthuse A-Level Geography students in all areas of the subject is second-to-none.

Looking at things from a wider field as Curriculum Manager, exactly the same applies but this time across students’ whole study programmes; transforming students both personally and academically, preparing them for their futures, before actually seeing them make those successful next steps, is extremely rewarding.

To experience and to play a role in students’ achievements and successes, helping them to overcome barriers in doing so and to watch as they move on to amazing things with the whole world at their feet!

Lots of things – but ultimately hard work and passion, and the resulting rewards that follow. I love being outdoors, and am a big sports fan… the natural world in itself is inspirational, complex and mind-boggling at times!

Education decides your future; it opens doors and helps you to stand out in a very big crowd! Alongside the academic nature of A-Levels, come the personal and social development of all students with us, a widening awareness of the ‘real world’ and contemporary global issues, as well as what your positive role is within society in your future.