Sport and Physical Activity Level 3

Develop a deeper understanding of sport and physical activity through practical learning, applied theory and independent projects.

Sport and Physical Activity Level 3 is designed as a progressive two-year programme. You enrol initially for Year 1 and work towards the NCFE Level 3 Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity.

Students who successfully complete Year 1 and demonstrate that they are ready for the next stage are expected to progress into Year 2, where they build on their knowledge and experience while working towards the NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity.

Across the programme, you will explore how the body responds to exercise, what influences sporting performance and how coaches, fitness professionals and other sport practitioners help people achieve their goals.

Topics may include:

• Anatomy and physiology for exercise
• Sports psychology and performance
• Fitness testing
• Training methods
• Leadership in sport
• Sports coaching and mentoring
• The active leisure industry
• Organising and delivering sport and leisure events
• Nutrition for physical activity

Practical sessions will give you opportunities to apply your knowledge through coaching, fitness and sporting activities. You may also lead others, organise events and evaluate your own performance and professional development.

As you progress through the programme, you will be expected to work with increasing independence, apply your knowledge to more complex situations and take greater responsibility for planning, delivering and evaluating your work.

Alongside your specialist knowledge, you will develop wider skills such as communication, leadership, organisation, problem solving, teamwork and independent learning.

You will normally need:

• Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths
• GCSE PE or Sport at grade 4 or above is preferred but not essential

If you have not yet achieved grade 4 in GCSE English and/or Maths, you will continue to study these alongside your main programme.

You should have a genuine interest in sport and be prepared to take part fully in both practical and theory-based learning.

You enrol initially for Year 1 of the programme. You will need to successfully complete the Year 1 Diploma and demonstrate through your overall progress that you are ready to continue to the Extended Diploma.

You will get the most from this programme if you:

• Have a strong interest in sport, fitness and physical activity
• Enjoy practical and classroom-based learning
• Are comfortable taking part in physical activity
• Want to develop your leadership and coaching skills
• Can communicate confidently with other people
• Are willing to work independently as well as part of a team
• Can organise your workload and meet deadlines
• Are self-motivated and willing to take responsibility for your progress
• Can listen to feedback and use it to improve
• Are willing to lead and support others

At Level 3, you will be expected to take increasing responsibility for your own learning and professional development.

NCFE Level 3 Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity (Year 1) NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity (Year 2)

Sport and Physical Activity Level 3 is designed as a two-stage programme.

You enrol initially for the one-year Level 3 Diploma. The expected next step for students who successfully complete Year 1 and are ready to continue is progression into Year 2 at Newbury College.

In Year 2, you will build on the knowledge, practical skills and professional experience developed during your first year and work towards the:

• NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity

Your achievement of the Year 1 qualification, overall progress and readiness for the next stage will be reviewed before you are offered a place.

After successfully completing the Extended Diploma, possible next steps include:

• HNC Sports Coaching at University Centre Newbury
• A degree in sports coaching
• Sport and exercise science
• Strength and conditioning
• Sports psychology
• Sports development
• Physical education
• Sport business or management
• A sports coaching apprenticeship
• A fitness or leisure apprenticeship
• Personal training
• Sports coaching
• Fitness instruction
• Sports development
• Sport and leisure event management

If you are particularly interested in the commercial side of sport, your skills could also support progression into areas such as sports marketing, events, facility management or sports business.

With further study and experience, you could progress towards careers across coaching, fitness, sports development, performance, leisure management and the wider sport industry.

You will be assessed through a combination of practical assessments, written assignments and portfolio work.

Assessment may include:

• Practical sporting activities
• Coaching and leadership tasks
• Written assignments
• Presentations
• Portfolio evidence
• Group projects
• Planning or delivering sporting events

Some units may also include externally marked assessment material completed under controlled conditions.

Your tutors will provide feedback throughout the programme to help you strengthen your knowledge, improve your practical skills and develop the professional standards expected at Level 3.

Your performance during Year 1 will also help determine whether you are ready to progress into the second year of the programme.

English and Maths, where studied alongside your programme, are assessed separately where applicable.

Independent study is an important part of this Level 3 programme.

You may need to:

• Research sports theory
• Complete written assignments
• Plan coaching sessions
• Prepare presentations
• Review practical performance
• Research fitness and training methods
• Prepare for assessments
• Complete portfolio evidence
• Respond to tutor feedback

You will be expected to manage your workload, meet deadlines and take increasing responsibility for your own progress.

Developing these habits during Year 1 is particularly important if you want to progress successfully into the Extended Diploma in Year 2.

You will have opportunities to take part in work experience and other activities that help you understand the sport and fitness industry.

Depending on the opportunities available during your programme, you may:

• Gain practical experience in a suitable workplace
• Support sports coaching or physical activity sessions
• Meet coaches, fitness professionals and other industry specialists
• Hear from guest speakers about their careers
• Visit sport, fitness and leisure workplaces
• Observe professionals working in the industry
• Develop leadership skills through practical projects

These experiences will help you connect your Level 3 studies with professional practice, strengthen your progression into Year 2 and make informed decisions about your future career or higher education.

• All full-time students are asked to contribute £15 towards the College Subscription Fund
• You may need to purchase suitable sports clothing for practical sessions
• Details of any required clothing will be provided before enrolment
• Optional trips, sporting activities, workplace visits or visits to facilities and events may have additional travel or entry costs, and you will be given information in advance