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Sport Diploma

Physical Education at The Bedford Sixth Form

Qualification: Level 3 Diploma | Exam board: OCR

This course will allow you to sample the wide range of activities and professions that are available in sport. The course is ideal for the workplace due to the combination of transferable theoretical and practical skills.

This qualification is not just about being able to play sport or deal with elite athletes; it will provide you with the skills, knowledge and understanding to progress on to a sport related Higher Education programme such as Sport and Education, Sport Science, Sport Coaching and Development, or Sport and Leisure Management. You could also progress into employment in the sport, leisure and fitness industry either through an apprenticeship or directly into work.

 This course is equivalent to two A-Levels and so counts as 2 of your potential options. You would need to study this course alongside one A-Level course.

Over the two years, 11 individual units must be completed. They are divided into year 1 and 2 and can be either coursework or exam based.

Physical Education at The Bedford Sixth Form

Year one content

You will learn by applying your skills, knowledge and understanding to tasks or activities that are relevant to what happens in sporting workplaces and you will learn how to be proactive in promoting healthy lifestyles and delivering sport and physical activities.

  • Body systems and the effects of physical activity (exam)
  • Sports coaching and activity leadership
  • Sports organisation and development (exam)
  • Working safely in sport, exercise, health and leisure (exam)
  • Organising sports events
  • Practical skills in sport and physical activities
Physical Education at The Bedford Sixth Form

Year two content

  • Performance analysis in sport and exercise
  • Physical activity for specific groups
  • Sports injury and rehabilitation
  • Sport and exercise psychology
  • Health and fitness testing for sport

Additional Information

What does this course prepare me for?

This course will provide you with the skills, knowledge and understanding to progress into employment in the sport, leisure or fitness industry either through an apprenticeship or directly into work.

Job roles that students could go on to include multisports coach, activity leader or assistant sports coach. It could also provide a route into Higher Education on a sport-related programme such as Sport and Physical Education, Sport Science, Sport Coaching and Development, or Sport and Leisure Management.

Course support and enrichment

We have sport professionals as guest speakers, who talk about their experiences in their chosen careers.

You will also get the opportunity to visit a local university to experience a higher level of fitness testing equipment. There will also be a trip to a local outdoor and adventurous activity centre to enable you to demonstrate your skills in this area. We run a variety of enrichment sports sessions and students can also get a discounted membership at Trinity Arts & Leisure Centre.

Assessment

Year one assessment

Units marked as ‘(exam)’ will be assessed with a formal exam of up to 2 hours in either the spring or summer term. The remainder of assessment in year one (3 units) is internal and will be work set by teachers and moderated by OCR.

Year two assessment

All assessment in year two (5 units) is internal and will be work set by teachers and moderated by OCR.

Entry requirements

Standard entry requirements

  • At least five GCSEs at grades 9-4 including English Language and Maths (one Vocational or Technical qualification at Merit or above may be counted)

AND

  • At least grade 4 (or Merit for Vocational or Technical qualifications) in any subject(s) that you have taken at GCSE and wish to continue studying at Level 3

AND

  • Average GCSE (best 8) of at least 4 (38 on the old points table)

AND

  • Grade 4 (or Merit), at least, in any subject previously studied
  • Students will take either 3 A-Level subjects or 1 Diploma subject with 1 A-Level
Generic Grand Hall at The Bedford Sixth Form 2021
September 2025

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