Sport (Level 3 Extended Certificate)
Why study Sport?
The sports industry is an ever-changing and growing environment. There is a big drive towards improving physical activity and overall general health of the nation at all age groups, and the variety of opportunities for qualified sports personnel can be seen at all levels. Many people have recognised the need for improved knowledge of the body and training to enable these improvements to be achieved and this course will give you some of the skills required to help you work towards being part of this fast paced and exciting industry.
Entry Requirements
In addition to our general entry requirements, you must have:
- GCSE English – grade 3
- GCSE Maths – grade 3
The Course
The course will give you knowledge related to key areas of the sports industry including anatomy and physiology, health and wellbeing and professional development. This will enable you to gain insight and experience in how the industry operates and the skills required to begin the move into any one of these specialised sectors or a university course. This course works well alongside A Level PE or Biology, or BTEC Applied Human Biology. When studying this programme we would also like you to take the Community and Higher Sports Leadership Awards or the YMCA Certificate in Fitness Instructing as they complement the course and provide very good employability options (these additional qualifications can be added on top of your 3 main course choices). See separate course descriptions for these. As this course is a mixture of internally assessed coursework and externally assessed exams/tasks, time management of self-study is very important. it is recommended that you complete approximately 4.5 hours of self-study per week to support your progress. This should be broken down into manageable chunks to maximise effectiveness. Self-study could include;
- Working on coursework for a particular unit to ensure that you meet deadlines.
- Pre-reading and note taking before next lesson topic
- Making flash cards/posters/mind maps
- Practicing exam questions and marking them
- Completing a glossary of key terms
Course Activities
You will learn by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands as well as reading and individual research. This course is continuously assessed in a variety of ways including an exam, externally set tasks, coursework, presentations and practical assessments. Examples of activities students may undertake:
- Practical sessions, demonstrating skills, techniques and tactics in different sports.
- Practical sessions investigating effects of exercise on the cardiovascular, respiratory and energy
systems. - Practice interviews for jobs in the sport industry
Career and Progression Opportunities
This course is designed to prepare you for employment in the sport and related industries, or for entry to an appropriate university course. As well as learning about this employment area, you will develop important skills for a career in sport. This course is particularly suitable if you are interested in sports sports coaching, working in health and fitness, or teaching. If you are interested in physiotherapy/sports therapy then this course needs to be combined with A Level PE, A Level Biology or BTEC Applied Human Biology.
Course Structure and Assessment
The course is divided into four units over two years, and is the equivalent of one A Level. Work will be internally assessed through coursework and externally assessed with one exam, and one task set and marked by the exam board to be completed under supervised conditions.
Core unit title and content
Unit 1: Anatomy and Physiology
How the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular and respiratory systems function and the fundamentals
of the energy systems.
Externally assessed 1.5 hour exam.
Unit 2: Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Wellbeing
Client screening and lifestyle assessment, fitness training methods and fitness programming to
support improvements in a client’s health and wellbeing,
Externally assessed task set and marked by exam board and completed under supervised conditions.
Unit 3: Professional Development in the Sports Industry
The knowledge and skills required for different career pathways in the sports industry. Learners will
take part in a personal skills audit, career action plan and practical interview assessment activities.
Internally assessed.
Optional unit (this may change):
Unit 7: Practical Sports Performance
The skills, techniques, tactics and rules of selected sports through active participation in individual/team sports.
Internally assessed.
Additional Information
You will be required complete transition work over the summer to hand in at enrolment.
Without this, you may not be able to take your place on the course.
Examination Board: Pearson Edexcel