Sport and Exercise Science, BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate

This stimulating and challenging course is for students who intend to study for a degree in Sport and Exercise. It covers both the theory and practical aspects of Sport.

This is a two year course, equivalent to one A Level.

It is recommended to combine this BTEC Sport course with one or two A Level or BTEC Level 3 courses. These could include A Level Biology or Psychology and/or BTEC Level 3 Applied Human Biology.

Studying Sport and Exercise Science at Reigate College could lead to:

• A degree in Sports Studies, Sport and Exercise Science, Sports Management, Sports Injury or Rehabilitation
• A career as a PE teacher or Sports Coach
• A career working within the Fitness Training Industry, Leisure Centres, Sports Development and Coaching are also popular, as are careers in Sports Therapy
• Apprenticeships within the sports industry, for example within Fitness Training or Sports Marketing

Even if students do not intend to pursue a career in sport, the course develops:

• Transferable skills such as teamwork, leadership experience, confidence and communication skills that will help students excel in all manner of careers
• A life-long passion for sport and a healthy lifestyle that will complement any future career choices

This is a vocational course designed to develop both knowledge and practical skills in the area of Sport and Exercise Science. Over the two years, students will study units relating to:

• Functional Anatomy
• Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology
• Coaching for Performance and Fitness
• Specialised Fitness Training/Biomechanics

Course Specific Trips, Visits & Experiences

BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Sport and Exercise Science students have the opportunity to take part in a variety of course-related experiences. In recent years, these have included:

• Guest speakers
• An opportunity to participate in wheelchair basketball
• Sports Awards ceremony
• A Sports and Exercise taster day at Portsmouth University

In addition to course specific experiences, students also have the opportunity to get involved in the College’s Activities Programme.

All students need to gain an experience of the work place during their time at College and for students studying vocational courses it should ideally be linked to one of their subject areas. Work experience within the Sports Industry can be used to develop the skills and knowledge needed when studying the Coaching for Performance and Specialised Fitness Training units of the course.

This course is assessed through external assessment (58%) and internal assessments (42%), including:

• An external exam in Functional Anatomy
• An external task, written under exam conditions, relating to Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology
• Internally assessed coursework consisting of written assignments, presentations and practical assessments

The exam board for this BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Sport and Exercise Science is Pearson BTEC.

All students need to have at least five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above (and a satisfactory school reference) to be accepted on an A Level/BTEC Level 3 Programme. In addition, students will need the following minimum combination of GCSE grades:

• Grade 4 in a Science Subject (4,4 in Combined Science) and
• Grade 4 in a literate subject such as English Language, English Literature or History and
• Grade 4 in Maths

A Distinction in BTEC Level 2 Sport may also be considered.

This course is designed for individuals with a genuine interest in sport and good sporting general knowledge, as much of the course will involve linking the theory learnt to sporting examples. Successful students will be highly motivated and able to consistently meet coursework deadlines. Students will not be directly assessed on their sporting ability; however, there are practical elements of the course that require students to be motivated, enthusiastic, and willing to take part.

What is the difference between BTEC and A Level PE?

BTEC Sport qualifications are more vocational courses that include a larger coursework component. Students are not assessed on their sporting performance.

What is the difference between BTEC National in Sport and a BTEC National in Sport and Exercise Science?

A BTEC National in Sport and Exercise Science is a much more scientific look into sport and exercise and how the human body responds to its demands both physically and mentally.

Do universities regard BTEC Sport as highly as A Level PE?

BTECs and A Levels are worth the same amount of UCAS points. Some universities may require A Level PE, depending on the course. The BTEC Sport and Exercise Science course will increase the options of further study at university.

What does a typical BTEC lesson look like?

BTEC theory lessons are held in classrooms with computers in, so that students can use electronic work packs for note-taking in preparation for assessments.

Lessons are taught practically where possible, for example, when learning about Fitness Training methods and delivering Coaching and Fitness sessions.

How much practical work will I participate in?

Students are not assessed on their practical ability, however they will have to review their own performances in Coaching and Fitness Instructing.

The number of practical lessons depends on the unit being studied and the subject matter being taught.

The College offers additional competitive sport opportunities and activities for those keen on increasing their participation.

How is the course assessed?

The course includes external assessments and coursework.

The external assessment is worth 58% of the total qualification. For the unit Functional Anatomy, it takes the form of a written exam (1 ½ hours). For the unit Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology, it is comprised of an external task (3 hours).

Internal coursework assessments make up 42% of the total mark.

The Coaching for Performance and Fitness and the Professional Development in the Specialised Fitness Training units both involve a mixture of assignments, including report based, practical delivery and essay-style questions.

What will I learn in each unit?

Functional Anatomy Unit: Skeletal System / Muscular System / Respiratory System / Cardiovascular System / Energy Systems / Movement Analysis

Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology unit: Motivation / Competition Stress and Anxiety /Aggression / Self-confidence / Mindsets / Group dynamics / Leadership / Profiling / Goal setting / Imagery

Coaching for Performance and Fitness Unit: Coaching skills and qualities / Use of Technology / Practices and Measures / Planning and Delivering / Reviewing

Specialised Fitness Training Unit: Fitness Demands of Sport / Movement Patterns / Methods of Training / Principles of Training / Periodisation / Planning and Delivering / Reviewing

What sport-related university courses are available?

Explore the UCAS website www.UCAS.com for sport-related courses.

The following are some examples of degree courses which BTEC Sport students have gone on to study:

• Sports Journalist – Liverpool John Moores University
• Sports Management and Development – University of Portsmouth, Bournemouth University
• Sports Therapy – Bournemouth University, University College Birmingham
• Sport & Exercise Science – University of Surrey, Kingston University, Nottingham Trent University, Swansea University
• Sport Coaching & Sport Development – Solent University
• Football Business Management – Solent University
• Football Coaching & Management – UCFB
• Sport Science & Coaching – Nottingham Trent University
• Physical Education & School Sport – Sheffield Hallam University
• Sport & Exercise Science – Bournemouth University
• Sport & Exercise Psychology – University of Chichester, University of Portsmouth