Level 3 Sport and Physical Activity Course in Barnstaple. Classes run full-time at North Devon College over two years. To join, you'll need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English. If you don't hold a grade 4 in Maths, you'll work toward a Level 2 Maths qualification alongside the course. The programme covers outdoor and physical activity, building your skills in leadership, teamwork, and communication. You'll take on outdoor challenges, including working at heights and in cold water, so a willingness to push yourself is essential.
Who this course is for
have a love of the outdoors, want to improve thier confidence, team work, leadership and communication skills, want to widen thier future opportunities and expand thier horizons and have the best two years of their life!
Entry requirements
To be accepted onto this Level 3 programme, you must hold at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English. If you do not have a grade 4 in Maths, you will be required to work towards an appropriate level 2 qualification in this subject.
You will also need to be comfortable with heights and being in cold water. You must have a willingness to 'have a go' and to push your limits and challenge yourself.
What you will learn
You'll develop leadership and communication skills through practical outdoor activity.
You'll build teamwork skills working with others in challenging environments.
You'll gain knowledge of sport, physical activity, and outdoor education principles.
You'll learn to plan, lead, and evaluate physical activity sessions.
You'll develop confidence working at heights and in cold water environments.
You'll explore how physical activity supports health and wellbeing.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom sessions and hands-on outdoor activity at North Devon College. Assessment includes practical tasks, written assignments, and project work. You'll be assessed on your ability to plan and lead activities as well as your understanding of sport and physical activity principles. Full-time daytime attendance is required across the two-year programme.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. North Devon College will confirm anything else you need before you start. Given the outdoor nature of the course, appropriate clothing and footwear for outdoor and water-based activities is likely to be discussed at enrolment.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Sports coach: plan and deliver sessions for community or school groups.
Outdoor activity instructor: lead climbing, kayaking, or similar activities.
Fitness instructor: support clients in gym or leisure centre settings.
Sports development officer: promote physical activity in local communities.
Teaching assistant (PE): support physical education in schools.
Leisure centre assistant: coordinate activities and support participants.
What you could study next
Level 4 Certificate or Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity: deepen your knowledge and move into supervisory or specialist roles.
Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching or Outdoor Education: a two-year higher education route, often available at colleges with university partnerships.
Level 3 coaching awards (e.g. in specific sports through national governing bodies): add specialist qualifications to complement this Certificate.
