Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport

This Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport is for someone who has a real passion for sport. There are many different pathways in sport that this course can lead into once you have completed it.

There are three pathways that you can study on at level three and this is dependant on your GCSE results or choice of pathway.

You will study a vocational sport programme equating to either 1, 2 or 3 A-Levels.

The 1 A-Level equivalent qualification gives you the opportunity to study sports in some capacity alongside 2 other A-Level subjects and is assessed through 2 units per year, 1 of which is externally assessed each year.

The 2 A-Level equivalent qualification is an alternative pathway to increase opportunities and the ability to study at level 3 whilst resitting either GCSE Maths or GCSE English. This can also be studied alongside 1 optional A-Level qualification to increase flexibility of your own interests and studies. On this course you will complete 9 units of which 4 are externally assessed over the two years.

The 3 A-Level equivalent qualification is a full level 3 qualification and you will be enrolled onto this course if you meet the full entry requirements and do not need to resit Maths or English GCSE. On this course you will study 14 units of which 2 are examined in year one and 2 are examined in year 2.

The Level 3 qualifications cover a wide range of opportunities for you to develop within your chosen sporting field. You will research different careers in sport and experience the real-life experience of applying for jobs in sport. You will take part in various practical sessions of Practical Sport, Fitness Testing and Fitness Training. You will investigate the working of the body and how it adapts to various training programmes as well as achievement.

Facilities/Where will I Study?

You will study across different areas of the college in both practical and theory settings. You have exclusive use of the 3-million-pound sports facility development that we are in partnership with Blackburn with Darwin Council. This includes two full sizes sports halls, fully equipped gym, spinning studio, fitness studio, swimming pool and performance lab. Some of your lessons will take place across these amazing facilities.

Your classrooms are fully equipped with interactive whiteboards and spacious learning facilities. You also have access to computer rooms that are used in lessons to develop your confidence in using ICT to learn and complete work.

During your programme you will study different units that include:

Year 1 modules:

• Anatomy and Physiology (external exam)
• Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Wellbeing (external exam)
• Professional Development in the sports industry
• Sports Leadership
• Application of Fitness Testing
• Practical Sport Performance
• Research Methods in Sport

Year 2 modules

• Sports Coaching
• Injury management
• Work Experience in sport
• Development and provision of sport and physical activity (external exam)
• Investigating business in sport and the active leisure industry (external exam)
• Skill Acquisition in Sport
• An additional optional unit

5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above.

Two of your units are external exams and five are internally assessed through coursework. You will be assessed in different ways for your internal pieces of work. These can include; written reports, PowerPoints, video demonstrations, interviews, practical demonstration of skills amongst other ways.

Students choose various pathways after completing the A Level; many continue with their studies at university, whilst others gain employment or high level apprenticeships in accounting firms.  Example of destinations :  Deloitte, Accenture, Bank of New York Mellon, Lancaster University, University of Manchester.