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Sport (BTEC)

Sport at Forge Valley Sixth Form is taught using a variety of methods, many of which directly relate to working within the sports industry.

The Pearson BTEC National Certificate / Extended Certificate in Sport are qualifications for post-16 learners who want to continue their education through applied learning and who aim to progress to higher education and ultimately to employment in the sport sector.  

Future Opportunities

BTEC Nationals provide transferable knowledge and skills that prepare learners for progression to university. The transferable skills that universities value include;

  • The ability to learn independently
  • The ability to research actively and methodically
  • Being able to give presentations and being active group members.

The qualifications carry UCAS points and are recognised by higher education providers as contributing to meeting admission requirements for many courses if taken alongside other qualifications as part of a two year programme of study.

Links to other subjects

Sport BTEC qualifications combine well with a large number of subjects and support entry to higher education courses in a very wide range of disciplines. For learners who wish to study an aspect of sport in higher education, opportunities include:

  • BA (Hons) in Sport Studies and Business, if taken alongside A Levels in Business and Maths.
  • BSC (Hons) in Sport Psychology, if taken alongside a BTEC National Extended Certificate in Applied Science and A Level in Psychology.
  • BA (Hons) in Sports Education and Special Inclusive Education, if taken alongside an A Level in English Language and a BTEC in National Extended Certificate in Performing Arts.
  • BA (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science, if taken alongside a BTEC National Diploma in Applied Science.

What are the entry requirements?

Five or more GCSEs Grade 9-4 or equivalent, including English. 

It would be an advantage to have studied BTEC Sport at Level 2 although this is not essential.

A Level 2 Pass will be required if BTEC Sport has been studied. GCSE grade 4 if GCSE PE has been studied.

Learners should ideally be involved in sport through regular club and/or extracurricular participation.

What will I study?

BTEC Level 3 National Certificate in Sport

  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Well-being

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Sport

In addition to the units covered above:

  • Professional Development in the Sports Industry

Learners will also choose one optional unit from a range which has been designed to support choices in progression to sport courses in higher education, and to link with relevant occupational areas. The optional units would be selected based on the interests and skills of the group, with a possibility of different units being completed by different learners, if necessary, to suit the needs of individuals.

How will I be assessed?

 This course is assessed using two methods: external (exam) and synoptic (controlled assessment).

FAQ

What is the average class size?

Roughly 15 students.

Are the teachers specialists in the subject area?

Yes, staff delivering this course are highly experienced PE teachers.  We have been delivering Level 3 BTEC Sport qualifications since 2016. 

How successful have previous students been in this subject?

We have extremely high expectations and are very optimistic about our student's outcomes. 

Students achieve well.

What other subjects compliment this course?

The answer to this question really depends on the future aspirations of students who are taking the Sport course.  The mandatory Anatomy and Physiology unit is significant in size and so this would obviously be complimented by studies in Biology.  Additionally, the study of Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Psychology would also support entry on to a Sports Science degree. 

Will studying this subject allow me to go to university? 

Yes - the qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to meeting admission requirements for many courses, if taken alongside other qualifications as part of a two-year programme of study.  It also combines well with a number of subjects.  Learners who wish to study an aspect of sport in higher education have numerous opportunities, with examples including: 

  • BSc (Hons) in Sports Coaching - 112 UCAS points from at least two A levels or equivalent BTEC National qualifications, one of which must be in PE, Sports Studies or a Science subject (e.g. Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Psychology) 

  • BSc (Hons) in Physical Education and School Sport - 112 UCAS points from at least two A levels or equivalent BTEC National qualifications. 

  • BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science - 112 UCAS points from at least two A levels or equivalent BTEC National qualifications, one of which must be in PE, Sports Studies or a Science subject (e.g. Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Psychology)    

Learners should always check the entry requirements for degree programmes with specific higher education providers. 

Is the point score the same as an A Level course?

The point score for the BTEC National extended certificate is similar to A level: 

BTEC grade 

Equivalent A level  grade 

UCAS Points  

Distinction* 

A* 

56 

Distinction 

48 

Merit 

32 

Pass 

16 

What careers can the subject lead to?

The subject can lead to a very wide variety of careers, with some examples being: 

  • PE teacher 

  • Sports coach 

  • Sports development 

  • Sports physiotherapist  

  • Performance analyst 

  • The police 

  • The armed forces