Sport and Outdoor Adventure Level 3

5 GCSEs at Grade 4 (C) including English and maths (or equivalent) or a First Diploma with Merit profile. You should be interested in all aspects of sport and sport performance and be committed to practical sport.

These units have been selected to provide the most comprehensive and engaging course with both land and water based components. Perfect for those who are looking to progress straight into industry while also providing the framework for those who are eager to further their studies.

• Exercise, health and lifestyles
• Preparing for a career in sport & physical activity
• Principles and practice in outdoor adventure
• Alternative pursuits for outdoor adventure
• Equipment & facilities for outdoor adventure
• Skills for land-based outdoor and adventurous activities
• Skills for water-based outdoor and adventurous activities
• Assessing risk in sport
• Leading land based activities
• Leading water based activities
• Leadership in sport
• Organising sports events
• Practical individual sports
• Work experience in sport
• Impact and sustainability in outdoor adventure
• Environment education for outdoor adventure
• Sports coaching
• Current issues in sport

Please note: This list is in no particular order and is subject to change, please contact wpa@weymouth.ac.uk should you have any queries about the course content.

Assessment is specifically designed to fit the purpose and objective of the qualification. It includes a range of assessment types and styles suited to vocational qualifications in the sector. Units are assessed through a mix of assignment based tasks, presentations and practical elements to allow you to demonstrate a broad range of relevant skills.

Progress directly into industry with a guaranteed interview at PGL – 

Once you have completed your course, practical training and achieved the industry relevant qualifications, you can expect to move straight into employment, made even easier with a guaranteed interview upon the successful completion of your course. Weymouth College have formed a partnership with PGL to create post-study career opportunities and to help you kick-start your career in the outdoor industry. PGL also offer a taster day at their Osmington Bay Outdoor Adventure Centre to allow you to experience one of their activities and understand the workings of a large outdoor adventure facility.

Benefit from our community of outdoor adventure contacts – 

As well as PGL, Weymouth College (via WPA) also works closely with other local adventure centres and outdoor activity providers to ensure that your passion is catered for. We can provide you with the contact details and information of other centres both within WPNSA (Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy) as well as other organisations in the Weymouth and Portland Area.

Further your studies in sport – 

You can also continue your studies at Weymouth College by progressing onto the FdSc Sport; Coaching, Health and Fitness or go onto study HNDs or degrees in Sport, Leisure, Recreation or Teacher Training at other educational establishments. Students who complete this course may apply for degree courses such as BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science, BSc (Hons) Sport (Health & Fitness) and BA (Hons) Coach & Physical Activity at institutions such as University of Brighton, University College Plymouth St Mark & St John, and University of Bath.

The College library has an extensive lending and reference book stock, in addition to videos and journals. For practical elements you are required to have the appropriate college kit at a cost of approximately £80.00. Guidance for purchasing this uniform will be provided nearer to your start date.

Upon full completion of this 2-year course, you will be awarded with a NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity (Outdoor Pathway). In addition to this, you will also be able to complete a range of other valuable qualifications throughout both year 1 and 2. These qualifications and associated fees can be found below. Please note that these qualification fees have been heavily discounted and would normally cost considerably more per qualification if they were to be completed outside of your course.

Course Fees – 

There are no core course fees associated to our NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity (Outdoor Pathway)  for eligible students aged 16-18. Students aged 19-25 may also be eligible for government funding or a student loan depending on their circumstances.

Qualification Fees – 

As parts of the outdoor course you will be required to pay for the national governing body courses included. These qualifications are awarded alongside your core course qualification enabling to progress straight into industry and helping you stand out from other applicants.

Year 1 – 

• RYA Powerboat Level 2 – £80
• First Aid – £50

Year 2 – 

• BC (British Canoeing) Sports Instructor Award (2 day course) – £150
• Foundation Safety Rescue Training (1 day course) – £40
• BC (British Canoeing) Membership & Certificate Fees – £100

Financial Support – 

Weymouth College offers a range of bursary support schemes which may be applied for to support with the financial costs of the course, this can be discussed based upon individual needs. You can find out more about our bursary support schemes here.