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Level 3 Sport and Physical Activity Course in Ferndown for 16 to 18 Year Olds

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyOCR awarding body

A sixth-form course for 16 to 18 year olds. Aged 19 or over? See Sports Coaching Courses in Dorset.

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About this course

Free Level 3 Sport and Physical Activity Course in Ferndown. Classes run at Ferndown Upper School, full-time over two years.

The course covers sports science, practical sport units, and exam-based study. You'll explore topics that link directly to careers in sport and fitness. Entry requires five GCSEs at grades 4 to 9, including English and Maths. You'll also need a grade 5 or above in GCSE PE, or a Level 2 qualification in Health and Fitness.

You'll finish with the OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate in the course, a Level 3 sport and physical activity qualification equivalent to one A Level.

Who this course is for

The OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Sport extended certificate is the equivalent to one A Level. For the last 7 years the PE department have produced outstanding results consistently being in the top 1% Nationally for Post 16 Sport qualifications. This course has lots of variety with practical units as well as sports science and exam units. There are 5 units (3 mandatory units and two optional units). The focus of the course is to enhance students’ employability, so all units are directly relevant to real-life work situations. The Units studied include:

Unit 1 Body systems (Anatomy & Exercise Physiology) (written exam)

Unit 2 Sports Coaching & Activity leadership

Unit 3 Sports Organisation and Development (written exam)

Unit 8 Organisation of Sports events

Unit 18 Practical Skills in Sport and Physical Activities

All units are marked individually

as either a Pass, Merit or Distinction and all have UCAS points attached to them for entry to university (Distinction* =120 points to Pass = 40 points).

Entry requirements

5 GCSE Passes Grades 4-9 inc English and Maths with a 5+ in GCSE PE or L2M in Health and Fitness (if either subject has been taken at GCSE).

What you will learn

  • You'll study the science behind sport and physical performance.
  • You'll develop practical skills across a range of sports and activities.
  • You'll learn how to plan and deliver sport and exercise sessions.
  • You'll explore anatomy, physiology, and how the body responds to exercise.
  • You'll study sport psychology and its role in performance.
  • You'll build knowledge of health, fitness, and wellbeing.
  • You'll develop skills in coaching and leadership in sport.

How you will learn

The course combines classroom lessons, practical sessions, and written exams. You'll complete three mandatory units and two optional units. Some units are assessed through coursework and practical tasks. Others are assessed by external exams. You'll learn in a school setting with daytime attendance throughout the two years.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Ferndown Upper School will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Sports coach, plans and delivers coaching sessions for clubs or schools.
  • Fitness instructor, leads exercise classes or gym-floor sessions.
  • Personal trainer, works one-to-one with clients on fitness goals.
  • Sports development officer, promotes participation in sport locally.
  • PE teaching assistant, supports physical education lessons in schools.
  • Leisure centre assistant, works across sport and recreation facilities.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 NVQ in Coaching, Teaching and Instructing, builds practical coaching skills for employment.
  • BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport, a broader qualification for those wanting more study options.
  • Degree in Sport Science or Physical Education, for those aiming toward graduate-level roles in sport or teaching.
  • Level 3 Personal Training Qualification, a direct route into fitness instruction work.
Apply on sixthform.fernup.dorset.sch.uk →
Apply now →

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