Sport, Performance and Excellence (BTEC National Diploma / Certificate)

BTEC National Diploma / Certificate Sport (Performance and Excellence)

WHY TAKE A BTEC NATIONAL DIPLOMA / CERTIFICATE IN SPORT?
This is a fantastic opportunity for you to study sport and explore the indepth aspects of how we can improve performance from an elite level perspective. The course is a mix of theory and practical performance and to be eligible to qualify you must be currently performing at an elite level such as academy, county, district or national level in any sport. Your knowledge from this sport can be directly applied to your studies. In the first year all students will follow core units that go towards a BTEC National Award. Alongside this, you will opt for studying either other AS or GCSE subjects, additional BTEC units or vocational qualifications such as Assistant Fitness Instructor and wider key skills. In year two you will complete the National Certificate or National Diploma programme.

WHAT ARE THE KEY AREAS OF STUDY?
The National Diploma requires you to complete eighteen units of work and the National Certificate is twelve units. The units are all based around sport and cover a wide range of topics. Some of the units you will study include; the body in action, psychology for sports performance, technical and tactical skills in sport, sports coaching, exercise and fitness testing, the athlete's lifestyle and instructing physical activity.

WHAT SKILLS WILL I NEED AND DEVELOP?
Units are both practical and theory based. These units will develop your range of skills and techniques, with an emphasis on leadership and sports development. A positive attitude, strong communication skills and enthusiasm are essential for a career in sport. Key skills in communication, IT and numeracy will be integrated into your programme. We also encourage you to work independently and you will be expected to do many hours of private study outside the classroom.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
There are no exams, so we find many interesting ways to assess your ability. This may include; written assignments, oral presentations, video analysis, posters, practical assessments and work experience observations. At the end of each completed unit you are awarded either a pass, merit or distinction grade.

PRIESTLEY EXTRA
The course will give you the opportunity to access a variety of coaching qualifications, residentials, and visits to sporting venues. The option will be there for you to widen your vocational skills through work experience and gain extra qualifications including, CYQ assistant fitness instructing and national governing body awards e.g. Rugby level 1 and FA level 1 coaching. It is expected that you will be available to participate in competitions that Priestley enters including the Northwest Colleges League, British Colleges and other one-off tournaments.