Sport and Physical Activity

Head of Department Mr N Santos, The Green School for Boys

CAMBRIDGE TECHNICAL (CTEC) DIPLOMA- equivalent to two A-levels.

This qualification is not just about being able to play sport or deal with elite athletes; employers need people who are able to develop sports skills for teams and individuals, work with clients and participants to improve their fitness and change their lifestyles and monitor progress and improvement over time, adapting practices and approaches to suit the needs of individuals.

Taking the Diploma course would give you the skills for working in specific, specialised roles (e.g. Sports Coach and Personal Trainer) within the sport and physical activity sector. The Diploma will enable you to increase the strength and depth of your skills, knowledge and understanding in your chosen pathway, allowing you to access these specialised roles or speed up your progression into more senior roles in the industry such as a Fitness Programme Manager, or a Senior Club Coach.

 CAMBRIDGE TECHNICAL (CTEC) EXTENDED CERTIFICATE  - equivalent to one A-level.

The course develops students’ knowledge, understanding and skills of the principles of Sport and Physical Activity. Students will gain an insight into the sector as they investigate opportunities for delivering sport and physical activity to a wide range of participants, whether it is to mobilise sedentary people to improve their health and wellbeing or to support regular participants to improve their performance and fitness.

Students will also gain core skills such as communication, analysis, organisation and adaptation. Designed in collaboration with experts spanning the breadth of the sector, the course focuses on the requirements that today’s universities and employers demand. The qualification is designed to be taken as part of a study programme alongside other vocational qualifications or A Levels with the workplace in mind.

How will it be assessed? 

 CTEC Diploma

 You’ll take 11 or 12 units, made up of mandatory and optional units. Everybody will study the following units: 

• Body systems and the effects of physical activity (externally assessed)

• Sports coaching and activity leadership 

• Sports organisation and development  (externally assessed)

• Working safely in sport, exercise, health and leisure (externally assessed)

• Physical activity for specific groups 

 You will also develop transferable skills that employers are looking for such as planning, communication, adaptability and leadership. You’ll choose to follow one of two specialised pathways (Sports Coaching / Personal Training) depending on the career you wish to pursue. 

CTEC Extended Certificate

 Each unit has specified grading criteria for Pass, Merit and Distinction. You must achieve at least a pass in all five units to be awarded the qualification. Assessment is centre based and externally moderated for three of the five units, and externally assessed for the other two units.

Units studied:

• Body systems and the effects of physical activity (Externally Assessed: 1 hr 30m exam)
• Sports coaching and activity leadership
• Sports organisation and development (Externally Assessed: 1 hr exam)
• As well as two other units selected according to the interests and  skills of the course group.

Where will it lead?

 This course offers a fantastic platform to anyone that has an interest in or is looking for a career in Physiotherapy, P .E. Teaching, Health & Fitness, Nutrition, Sports Coaching or any other careers in Sport & Leisure sector. During the course you will also have opportunities to find out from employers how the skills and knowledge you will acquire are used in work. You will meet people currently working in the sport industry and you may have the opportunity to have work experience in a sports-based organisation.

Enrichment Opportunities

 Sports clubs and workshops.

This subject would work well alongside Sports Leaders Award.

Entry requirements

 GCSE English at Grade  4 and, ideally, GCSE PE/Biology Grade 4 or higher.

If students have not studied GCSE PE they should have a discussion with the head of PE to assess their suitability.