Sport (=2 A Level)

5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above

Including English Language or English Literature GCSE grade 4

Maths GCSE at grade 3 or above

Students will study the following units across the two years of their programme:

• Anatomy and Physiology (exam)
• Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Well-being (controlled assessment)
• Investigating Business in Sport and the Active Leisure Industry (coursework unit)
• Sports Leadership (coursework unit)
• Professional Development in the Sports Industry (coursework unit)
• Skill Acquisition in Sport (coursework unit)
• Application of Fitness Testing (coursework unit)
• Practical Sports Performance (coursework unit)
• Principles and Practices for Outdoor and Adventurous Activities (coursework unit)

Skills Developed

Students will have an opportunity to develop their functional skills through the diversity of teaching methods used. This is inclusive of presentations, leading sports sessions, preparing reports to mention just a few.

During this course you will gain:

• Coaching and leadership skills
• Fitness testing and analysis
• Teamwork and communication
• Research and report writing
• Planning and organisation
• Professional practice
• Independent learning
• Presentation skills

You'll learn through a variety of methods, including:

• Classroom-based lessons
• Practical sports activities
• Coaching and leadership sessions
• Fitness testing activities
• Group projects
• Presentations and workshops
• Independent research
• Industry-related learning

Students are encouraged to work independently, develop self-management skills and actively participate in practical activities that support assessment and progression.

This course has both internally and externally assessed units. For the internally assessed units students will complete a range of assignments in each unit that ensure differentiated opportunity for success. Some assignments will require students to physically take part and/or lead sessions. The external assessments comprise of an exam and controlled assessments.

Sports students at St Brendan’s have access to an excellent range of facilities which are used to support your learning. These include a 4G football and rugby pitch, 4 outdoor floodlit netball/tennis courts and grass football pitches, multipurpose sports hall and fitness suite, teaching rooms and IT facilities.

During the course, students are charged for printing and revision books can be purchased. Payment for the cost of the outdoor and adventurous unit is also expected for Diploma students. Costs for day trips, which form a valuable part of the course which all students are expected to attend, may also be charged. Students are expected to bring a ring binder folder but will be given a set of dividers to help manage their work.

As this qualification is equivalent to two A-levels, it is normally studied alongside one additional qualification.

BTEC Level 3 Sport National Diploma supports progression to:

• Sports Science degrees
• Sports Coaching and Development degrees
• Physical Education teaching pathways
• Sports Therapy courses
• Health and Fitness qualifications
• Higher and degree apprenticeships
• Employment within the sport, leisure and recreation industries

Former students have progressed to university, professional training and careers including Sports Therapy, Sports Development, Community Coaching and Fitness Instruction.

The course offers a wide range of enrichment opportunities, including:

• Sports development projects
• National Governing Body coaching qualifications
• Sports leadership activities
• Sports venue visits
• Industry guest speakers
• Coaching and refereeing opportunities
• Participation in college sports teams
• Work experience opportunities

These activities help strengthen your CV, university applications and career readiness.