As an alternative to A Level PE, we offer BTEC Sport Level 3: National Extended Certificate (which is the equivalent of one A level).
Exam Board: Edexcel
The course: With a track record built over 30 years of learner success, BTEC Nationals are widely recognised by industry and higher education as the signature vocational qualification at Level 3. They provide progression to the workplace either directly or via study at a higher level.
The topics included are:
Unit 1: Anatomy and Physiology
The effects of exercise and sports performance on:
- the skeletal system
- the muscular system
- the respiratory system
- the cardio-vascular system
- the energy systems
Unit 2: Fitness Training (will include practical element – although not assessed on
practical ability).
- Examine lifestyle factors and their effect on health and well-being.
- Understand the screening processes for training programming.
- Understand programme-related nutritional needs.
- Examine training methods for different components of fitness.
- Understand training programme design.
Unit 3: Professional Development in the Sports Industry
- Understand the career and job opportunities in the sports industry.
- Explore own skills using a skills audit to inform a career development action plan.
- Undertake a recruitment activity to demonstrate the processes that can lead to a successful job offer in a selected career pathway.
- Reflect on the recruitment and selection process and your individual performance.
Unit 4: Sports Leadership (will include a practical element– although not assessed on practical ability).
- Understand the roles, qualities and characteristics of an effective sports leader.
- Examine the importance of psychological factors and their link with effective leadership.
- Explore an effective leadership style when leading a team during sport and exercise activities.
How is it assessed?
67% External Assessment:
- examinations – all learners take the same assessment at the same time.
- set tasks – learners take the assessment during a defined window and demonstrate understanding through completion of a vocational task.
33% Internal Assessment
- Write up the findings of their own research
- Use case studies to explore complex or unfamiliar situations
- Carry out projects for which they have choice over the direction and outcomes
- Demonstrate practical and technical skills.
The course is taught by PE teachers, each specialising in one area of the course. There are no specific grade requirements at GCSE, although a grade 6 (B) is desirable. Further to this a strong qualification in Biology is also advantageous.
We anticipate that BTEC Sport will be studied either in combination with Applied Business
and one other A level, or two other A levels.
