BTEC Level 4 National Extended Certificate in Sport
Sandbach College
Why study this course?
The number of self-employed and employed people in the sports and fitness industry in the UK has soared in recent years If you are looking at the prospect of a career in the sports industry, this course will give you the knowledge and skills to begin your sports career.
The aim of this course is to develop your theoretical and practical knowledge of sport through working towards a Level 3 nationally recognised qualification- equivalent to one A Level. During the course, you will develop your confidence in a range of different scenarios including being able to plan, deliver and review coaching sessions; develop fitness plans, injury & rehabilitation programmes; and expand your knowledge of the physical and psychological make-up of athletes.
As well as knowledge, you will develop transferable skills which will prepare you for progression to university such as the ability to research actively and methodically, develop analytical skills, greater efficiency in writing and individual creative development. In addition to these skills, the qualification will provide you with higher order skills valued by employers such as teamwork, leadership, resilience, performance analysis, evaluation, analysis and synthesising concepts.
Sandbach College at Sandbach High School Entry Requirements
We ask that all students achieve 4 GCSEs at grade 4 (or Level 2 Pass) or higher
What will I learn on this course?
The course offers the opportunity to study and research the practical, theoretical and scientific application of sport. You will develop knowledge and understanding of all areas of sport, including investigating how the body responds to exercise, exploring the techniques used to analyse sports performers, examining the importance of a healthy balanced lifestyle and diet and the development of coaching styles and techniques.
In addition to course knowledge content, you will also learn and develop a range of employability skills. You will develop skills such as critical thinking, interpersonal skills and problem-solving.
Examinations & Coursework
You will cover 4 units over the duration of the two-year course.
Unit 1- Anatomy & Physiology- 120 GLH
External assessment- Written examination- 1.5 hours- 80 marks
Unit 2 – Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Well-being -120 GLH
External assessment - Synoptic case study – Written submission
Unit 3 – Professional Development in the Sports Industry- 60 GLH
Internal written submission
Unit 4 – Sports Leadership- 60 GLH
Internal written submission
Potential career paths
Sports coach
PE teacher
Professional sport
Sports therapy
Sports instructor
Sport Psychology
Careers in the sports fitness industry
Performance analysis
Sports nutrition
Sports marketing/ sponsorship
Exercise physiology
Sports journalism
Enrichment opportunities
You will have the opportunity to engage in a wide range of recreational, developmental and competitive sporting activities through the college programme. Sporting activities such as the college senior netball and football teams, opportunities to coach and officiate in the main school and local primary schools, as well as recreation activities such as badminton and fitness during Wednesday afternoon enrichment. The college also has further opportunities including the Stoke City Football Education Academy and the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) as a Sport England accredited site.