Sport and Physical Activity- OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate

 Course Leader: Mr David Bourne

What is Sport & Physical activity?

The study of sport and physical activity considers the barriers to and the effects and benefits of sport and physical activity across all age ranges and social groups, including people with disabilities and BAME, so they can tailor their approach depending on the person, people or situation they’re working with to ensure inclusivity. Students who study sport and physical activity also learn how to work in a safe and effective way, protecting themselves and those they’re working with from injury or harm.

Why study this course?

The qualifications aim to develop students’ knowledge, understanding and skills of the principles of Sport and Physical Activity. You will gain an insight into the sector as you investigate opportunities for delivering sport and physical activity to a wide range of participants, whether it is to mobilise sedentary people to improve their health and wellbeing or to support regular participants to improve their performance and fitness, all done in a safe and professional environment. In doing so, you will also gain core skills required for employment or further study in the sector such as communication, analysis, organisation and adaptation. Designed in collaboration with experts spanning the breadth of the sector, the Level 3 Cambridge Technicals in Sport and Physical Activity focus on the requirements that today’s universities and employers demand. As a student doing the course, you will practically apply your skills and knowledge in preparation for further study or the workplace.

Who would the course be suitable for?

Anyone with an interest in sport both as a participant and also someone who wants to develop their knowledge of different individual aspects of sport and how they can inter-relate to improve the performance of an individual and team.  It will benefit you if you play sport outside of college for a club and also enjoy doing sport in the outdoors and have the confidence to work with and lead groups of people.

What are the entry requirements?

5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 including English and Maths and Biology. Whilst the prior study of GCSE/Level 2 Sport is beneficial, it is not essential.

 For those students wishing to study the diploma, GCSE/Cambridge National in Sport qualifications will be required grade 5/ L2 Merit or above.

What will I learn on this course?

How will I be assessed?

The Extended Certificate in Sport & Physical Activity course is assessed by sitting two externally assessed exams in units 1 and 3 and on producing written coursework and demonstrating your practical ability in different roles such as a coach, participant and official. The Diploma in Sport & Physical Activity course is assessed by sitting three externally assessed exams in units 1, 3 and 4, on producing written coursework and demonstrating your practical ability in different roles such as a coach, participant and official.  (See below for more detailed information)

What can I do with a vocational qualification in sport?

• Higher Education: 

As the course is multi-disciplinary it means that this course is an excellent foundation for many higher-level courses both academic and vocational.  Students who have taken Sport & P.A have gone on to study a diverse range of courses which have included Football Coaching/Studies, Sports Development, Sport Science, PE Teaching, Outdoor Education, Sports Therapy/Rehabilitation, Sports Technology, Sports Nutrition and Performance Analysis. 

• Careers:

These qualifications are not just about being able to play sport or deal with elite athletes; employers need people who are able to develop sports skills for teams and individuals, work with clients and participants to improve their fitness and change their lifestyles and monitor progress and improvement over time, adapting practices and approaches to suit the needs of individuals. Therefore, these qualifications will develop learners’ skills in preparation for employment in sports coaching either through an apprenticeship or directly into work with sports coaching companies.

Is there anything else I need to know?

Practical demonstration as a performer, coach and official in sport and outdoor activities are an essential part of the course and you will have the opportunity to take part in different activities and have the opportunity to obtain different sporting qualifications along the way.  These include first aid and safeguarding qualifications in sport and the Mountain Biking Level 1 skills competence course.  These will incur additional costs for which students are responsible for.  You will also be shown where to purchase a textbook that is used on the course. It is desirable that students are competing in sport outside of college and will at times be responsible for producing video evidence of them participating in sports which can not take place at the college and for which the staff do not have specialisms in.  There will also be the opportunity to purchase student sports kit to wear during lessons and when on trips and leading coaching sessions.

For a list of activities that you can be assessed in go to the following page of the OCR website:

https://ocr.org.uk/Images/546493-approved-activity-list-for-cambridge-nationals-and-cambridge-technicals.pdf

For More information on Level 3 Sport OCR website

 https://ocr.org.uk/qualifications/cambridge-technicals/sport-and-physical-activity/#level-3

Who can I contact for further information?

David.Bourne@WestSomersetCollege.org