Sport
The BTEC National Extended Certificate course in Sport builds upon the ideas that have been learnt and understood at GCSE PE or L2 BTEC Sport.
The aim of the course is to generate an interest and enjoyment across a broad range of areas within Physical Education and Sport, to create students that have the ability to forge a career pathway in the multitude of options that are available in the sport and leisure industry.
The BTEC National Extended Sport course has elements of work that require academic and theoretical focus in preparation for two examinations, as well as a requirement for practical performance and analysis and research into a career pathway to complete two coursework assignments. Sport is a rewarding and interesting subject that requires good organisation skills and the ability to be self-motivated to meet deadlines.
Entry Requirements
The general Thornleigh Sixth Form entry criteria will be applied but it is recommended that you have a strong interest in Sport.
What will I Study?
There will be four main elements of study split across the two years of the course:
Year 12 Anatomy and Physiology - study of the effects of exercise on the skeletal, muscular, respiratory, cardiovascular and energy systems.
Year 12 Practical Sports Performance - practical performance in one team and one individual sport which will be filmed and then analysed.
Year 13 Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Well-being - study of factors that impact how we plan and adapt our lifestyle and train to improve health and well-being.
Year 13 Professional Development in the Sports Industry - study of a job in the sports industry and the requirements needed to follow a successful career pathway.
Which exam board is used and how will I be assessed?
The exam board is Pearson.
Click here to access the exam board webpage for this specification.
There will be two exams:
Year 12 Anatomy & Physiology exam - 90 minutes / worth 33% of the overall grade. This is a traditional exam with a mixture of short and long answer questions.
Year 13 Fitness Training exam - 150 minutes / worth 33% of the overall grade. This is a seen exam which requires the interpretation of a case study.
And two pieces of extended coursework that run alongside exam study:
Year 12 Practical Sports Performance - worth 16.5% of the overall grade.
Year 13 Continuous Professional Development in the Sports Industry - worth 16.5% of the overall grade.
Where could this subject take me?
There are countless possibilities that this course could open up. We have students who become physiotherapists, sports scientists, chiropractors, teachers, personal trainers, coaches, analysts and more.
By completing this Sport course, you will be fully prepared for a large number of opportunities due to the skills that you will develop. Sport is a subject that is all encompassing and touches upon many areas of life and prepares students for the study of various subjects at University.
Other typical sport based courses include degrees in sports science, sports medicine, sports therapy, sports nutrition, sports analysis, sports management and more. Sport is also important and relevant to careers in the health and fitness industry and there are more and more opportunities arising for apprenticeship routes in these various roles.
How can I get ahead in this subject
Popular Sport books include:
ACSM’s Exercise is Medicine - A Clinician’s Guide to Exercise Prescription by Steven Jones
Clinical Sports Anatomy by Andrew Franklyn
Exercise Physiology - Nutrition, Energy and Human Performance by William D McArdle
Sport Coaching Concepts - A Framework for Coaching Practice by John Lyle
Foundations of Sports Coaching by Paul E Robinson
Interesting websites include:
Free Anatomy Quiz
The Athletic
UK Sports Institute
Places to visit include:
The Anatomy and Pathology Museum
The National Football Museum
A variety of local sports club for fixtures/events
Events | UK Sport
Good podcasts include:
The A Level PE Podcast - The A Level PE Podcast
The Real Science of Sport Podcast - The Real Science of Sport Podcast on acast
BBC Sounds Sport Podcasts - BBC Sounds - Sport Podcasts
Competitions to enter include:
Speak to any PE teacher to inform them of the sport you compete in and they will endeavor to link you to the appropriate competition where possible.
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