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    • Curriculum

    BTEC SPORT

    BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Sport (Equivalent to one A Level)

    Course Overview

    The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Sport is a vocational qualification designed for students who are passionate about sport and physical activity. It develops knowledge, skills, and understanding of the sports industry through both practical and theoretical learning.

    This course provides a strong foundation for those interested in pursuing careers in coaching, teaching, sports therapy, fitness training, or further study at university. Through a mix of coursework, practical assessments, and external exams, students gain valuable experience that prepares them for higher education and employment in the dynamic world of sport.

     

    Assessment

    This qualification consists of four units studied over two years.
    Students must pass all four units to achieve the qualification.

    Year One

    • Anatomy and Physiology (externally examined)

    • Sports Leadership (coursework assessed)

    Year Two

    • Fitness Training and Programming (externally examined)

    • Professional Development in the Sports Industry (coursework assessed)

    Assessment methods include:

    • External written exams

    • Controlled assessments

    • Internally assessed coursework

    Students are awarded grades of Pass, Merit, Distinction, or Distinction* — equivalent to E, C, A, and A* at A Level.

    Practical and Independent Work

    There is a strong practical element to this course, particularly in Sports Leadership and Fitness Training, where students plan and lead sessions or design fitness programmes.

    Students are also expected to complete coursework, revision, and preparation for assessments independently outside of lessons.

    What Do I Need to Succeed?

    Students should:

    • Have enthusiasm for sport and a willingness to take part in practical activities.

    • Be organised, motivated, and committed to completing coursework and exam preparation.

    • Ideally have studied GCSE PE or a related subject, although this is not essential.

    Career and Degree Pathways

    This qualification supports progression to degrees such as:

    • Sport and Exercise Science

    • Sports Coaching

    • Physical Education and Teaching

    • Sports Therapy

    • Physiotherapy (often alongside A Levels or other qualifications)

    • Strength and Conditioning

    • Sports Management

    • Health and Fitness Studies

    It also prepares students for careers in areas including:

    • Personal Training

    • Sports Coaching (community or elite level)

    • PE Teaching (with further qualifications)

    • Fitness Instructing

    • Rehabilitation and Therapy Support

    • Leisure Centre Management

    • Outdoor Education and Adventure Leadership

    • Sports Development

    • Armed Forces or Emergency Services (where physical fitness is key)

    What Our Students Say

    “GCSE PE really helped me with the Anatomy and Physiology unit — I feel confident going into the exam.”

    “I’m really enjoying BTEC Sport. The course lets me learn and practise vital skills I’ll take with me into either employment in the sports industry or university.”

    “The mix of exams and coursework suits my learning style perfectly, and I feel really supported by the staff who teach BTEC Sport at JKHS.”

    “BTEC Sport is a friendly, supportive subject where you can work individually or with others on a wide range of interesting topics. The opportunities this course gives me at JKHS will definitely support my next steps.”

    Need Further Information?

    For any questions about this course, please contact Mrs Sarah Mountford at
    📧 s.mountford@jkhs.org.uk

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