Free Level 3 Sport and Physical Activity Development Course in Downham Market. Classes run full-time at Athena Sixth Form College, five days a week during the day. This two-year course covers body systems, sports coaching, activity leadership, and sports organisation. You'll need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including grade 4 in English and maths. The course is the equivalent of two A-Levels, so you can study it alongside one other subject. It's a strong route into sport-related higher education, including sport science, coaching, and leisure management.
Who this course is for
This Cambridge Technical Sports and Physical Activity Diploma is for students who are passionate about sports, fitness, and health, and want to develop practical and theoretical skills for careers in sport, coaching, or exercise science
Entry requirements
5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including 4 in English Language, Lit and maths.
What you will learn
You'll study how the body responds to physical activity and exercise.
You'll develop skills in sports coaching and activity leadership.
You'll learn how sports organisations are structured and developed.
You'll understand how to work safely in sport, exercise, and health settings.
You'll build theoretical and practical knowledge across sport and fitness.
You'll explore career-relevant topics in sport science and coaching.
How you will learn
You'll learn through a mix of classroom teaching, practical sessions, and coursework. Some units are assessed by written exams, including Body Systems and the Effects of Physical Activity, and Sports Organisation and Development. Other units are assessed through assignments and practical work. Assessment is set by OCR as part of the Cambridge Technical framework.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Athena Sixth Form College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Sports coach: plan and deliver coaching sessions for clubs or schools
Fitness instructor: lead exercise classes or gym-floor sessions
Activity leader: organise and run sport and leisure programmes
Sport development officer: grow participation in sport at community level
Personal trainer: work one-to-one with clients on fitness goals
Leisure centre assistant: support day-to-day operations at a sports facility
PE teaching assistant: support physical education in a school setting
What you could study next
Foundation Degree or BSc in Sport Science: builds on your Level 3 knowledge with university-level study in physiology, performance, and research.
BSc in Sport Coaching and Development: takes your coaching knowledge further, often with practical placement.
BSc in Sport and Leisure Management: suited if you're drawn to the business and organisation side of sport.
Level 4 Certificate in Coaching: a shorter professional qualification if you want to move into coaching work quickly.
