BTEC Sport

Extended Certificate is taught by QEII. Diploma is a collaboration between QEII & RGS

Details of the Examination Specification

Physical Education Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate/ Diploma in Sport

Do you have a passion for Sport? 

Do you want to learn more about fitness, coaching, the human body and how it performs effectively? Then maybe BTEC Sport is a good option for you! We have different options to be able to offer our students and it is now possible to do a 1 A Level or 2 A Level equivalent course while studying at QEII High School. This is a great route to take if you have an interest in sport, especially if you see it as a future option for higher education or even as a career. This course prepares students for both and is a great way to get an insight into the world of sport and the employment opportunities that it can provide. This will set out a pathway that could lead to jobs such as a Personal Trainer, Sports Coach, Sports Psychologist, Sports Development Officer and many other interesting positions within sport. 

What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this Course? 

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Sport is equivalent to 1 A Level, whereas the Diploma qualification is the equivalent to 2 A Levels. The Diploma includes all Extended Certificate modules as well as a further 5 modules. IGCSE PE is an advantage but is in no way essential. The course is open to anybody, and as your practical ability does not contribute towards your qualification as it does in IGCSE PE, it is accessible to all and everyone can achieve in the course. Students need to understand the importance of deadlines for coursework and schemes of assessment. They will need to be able to work independently, carry out research, give presentations and work as part of a group. 

What will I learn on this BTEC Course? 

For the Extended Certificate students will study 3 mandatory Units; Anatomy and Physiology, Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Well-being, Professional Development in the Sports Industry. The last module may change at the discretion of the teacher as it is an ‘option’ module that we will select as a class. The Diploma has a further 5 modules of Skill Acquisition, Business in the Sports Industry, Sports Leadership, Coaching for Performance and Sports Event Organisation. You will learn an array of skills and knowledge about the world of sport and the employment opportunities within it. You will gain insight into fitness, coaching and human performance, all through a sporting domain. 

What kind of student is this Course suitable for? 

Any student that has a passion for sport and are prepared to dedicate themselves to succeeding in the subject. Students are expected to play for a school sports team, whether that is an A, B or C team, and should be involved in sport as a player or volunteer on a regular basis outside of school. As we develop the course there will be lots of opportunities to volunteer within the community and many students will be able to coach at our local feeder Primary Schools in their own free time. 

What examinations will I have to take to get my qualification? 

Extended Certificate (1 A Level equivalent) 

Unit 1: Anatomy and Physiology – 33% of the course, assessed with a one and a half hour external examination. 

Unit 2:Fitness, Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Wellbeing – 33% of the course. A two and a half hour written assessment in controlled conditions. Prior research will be allowed and notes taken into the assessment. 

Unit 3:Professional Development in the Sports Industry – 17% of the course with two assignments looking at rules and laws of games, skills, techniques and tactics and how to analyse sports in order to improve performance. 

Plus one from: Sports Leadership, Application of Fitness Testing, Sports Psychology, Practical Sport Performance (All Internally assessed). 17% of the course. 

Coursework / Specific arrangements / Other requirements 

Students should be prepared for coursework continuously throughout the course, and keep a portfolio of assignments. They will need to work collaboratively with the PE Department and potentially local employers.

Diploma (2 A Level Equivalent) 

Unit 22: Business – 25% of the course, assessed with a one and a half hour external examination. 

Unit 23: Skill Acquisition – 25% of the Diploma assessment in internally assessed assignments. 

The Diploma also delivers modules in Sports Leadership, Sports Psychology and Sports Event Organisation. These will all entail working practically within each topic and reflecting back within assignments that will be graded and contribute towards your qualification. This is an exciting and interesting new course from BTEC and is being really well received by the current cohort studying it. For those interested in sport there is a genuine opportunity to gain an extremely good qualification and I hope to see lots taking it in the coming years. For more information on the subject please speak to Mr Winrow