Free Level 3 Sport and Physical Activity Development Course in Ferndown. Classes run at Ferndown Upper School, full-time during the day over two years. This sport and physical activity development qualification covers 17 units, including nine mandatory sports coaching pathway units, two optional units, practical work, sports science, and exams. It carries the same UCAS points as three A Levels, so it opens doors to university as well as employment in sport and fitness.
Who this course is for
The OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Sport Extended Diploma is the equivalent to three A Levels. In recent 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 17 units (9 mandatory sports coaching pathway units, 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 4 Working Safely in Sport, Exercise, Health & Leisure (written exam) Unit 5 Performance analysis in Sport and Exercise Unit 7 improving Fitness for sport & physical activity (triple only) Unit 8 Organisation of Sports events Unit 10 Biomechanics & movement analysis (triple only) Unit 11 Physical Activity for Specific Groups Unit 12 Nutrition and diet for sport (triple only) Unit 13 Health and Fitness Testing for Sport and Exercise Unit 14 Working in active leisure (triple only) Unit 17 Sports Injuries and Rehabilitation Unit 18 Practical Skills in Sport and Physical Activities Unit 19 Sport and Exercise Psychology Unit 20 Sport & Exercise Sociology (triple only) Unit 21 The Business of Sport (written exam) 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* =240 points to Pass = 80 points).
What you will learn
You'll develop sports coaching skills across nine mandatory coaching pathway units.
You'll study sports science, including the principles behind physical performance.
You'll complete practical units that put coaching and activity development into action.
You'll explore how to plan and deliver physical activity programmes.
You'll build knowledge of employability skills relevant to the sport and leisure sector.
You'll choose from optional units to focus on areas that match your interests or career goals.
How you will learn
You'll learn through a mix of classroom lessons, practical sessions, and exams. Assessment combines coursework-based units with examined units, reflecting the mix of practical and sports science content across the 17 units. Practical coaching activities are assessed alongside written and exam-based work.
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, working with individuals or teams in a club or community setting
Fitness instructor, leading group or individual exercise sessions
Community sport development officer, promoting physical activity locally
Personal trainer, designing and delivering one-to-one fitness programmes
Sports administrator, supporting clubs, leisure centres, or national bodies
Physical activity coordinator, running programmes for schools or local authorities
Leisure centre assistant, supporting day-to-day operations and activities
What you could study next
Foundation Degree or BSc in Sports Coaching, Sports Science, or Physical Education, building on the UCAS points this Extended Diploma carries.
Level 4 Certificate in Coaching, offered by bodies such as UK Coaching, for those moving directly into a coaching career.
PGCE in Physical Education, for those aiming to teach PE in secondary schools after completing a degree.
