BTEC National Diploma in Sport - Performance & Excellence
This course aims to provide a sound academic and practical foundation to sport through the experience of an athlete. The Holme Lacy campus is situated on over 500 acres of rural undulating land and woodlands. This provides an ideal environment for both traditional and outdoor sports. If you are serious about any of the sports listed below and would be willing to train and compete in the sport at a serious level - read on.
This is an ideal course for those who are passionate or compete in any of the following sports:
- Football
- Equestrian
- Modern Pentathlon
- Shooting
- Archery
- Mountain Biking
Each student will follow a prescribed course of theoretical lectures. Practical lectures are delivered specific to the sport. For those who wish to make a career playing, competing, coaching or instructing in a specific sport, or progress onto recreation management and related careers, then a course in Sport (Performance & Excellence) will provide an excellent stepping stone in achieving this goal.
Football Academy
Our successful Football Academy is run through the medium of Hereford United and is now based at the College's Folly Lane campus. Training takes place at the excellent facilities offered by Hereford City Sports Club. Teams from the academy compete in The Football League Youth Alliance, South West Conference and the Midland Floodlit Youth League. Our dedicated team of Sports staff are not only qualified lecturers but qualified Football Association Coaches, one of whom has played professionally. In the last four years, three of our learners have accepted professional contracts with Hereford United.
Equestrian Academy
Equestrian events have always been an important global sport. They were included in the Olympic Games for the first time in 1900. The Equestrian Academy focuses on the three disciplines of dressage, eventing and jumping. Our team of Equine staff are not only qualified lecturers but have experience at competing in each of the disciplines. As part of the programme learners will train and compete in each of the three disciplines.
Modern Pentathlon Academy
The Pentathlon Academy focuses on the disciplines of pistol shooting, fencing, swimming, riding and running. It requires the competitor to be multi disciplined but is an excellent way to become skilled in both land and water based sports in all areas of fitness. Modern Pentathlon was created by Pierre De Coubertin and is known as an educational sport. A complete sport, on the physical side - Swimming & Running are the basic disciplines; on the mental side – Shooting requires stress control and a precise technique; on the intellectual side – Fencing requires adaptability and intelligence; Riding an unknown horse requires a mix of adaptability, self-control and courage. Students studying with the Modern Pentathlon Academy will train and compete in all five disciplines.
Shooting Academy
The sport of shooting is divided into three different groups: rifle, pistol and shotgun events. The rifle and pistol events are held on shooting ranges with competitors aiming at targets from distances of 10 metres, 25 metres and 50 metres. The shotgun events see competitors shoot at clay targets propelled in different directions. Students studying with the Shooting Academy will train and compete in the three different groups.
Archery Academy
Archery is a part of British legend when we think of figures such as Robin Hood. The actual sport of archery requires extreme physical and mental control, physical conditioning for strength and stamina, steady hands, sharp eyes and nerves of steel. The sport has changed immensely in the last decade with the introduction of match play and the World Cup concept. Students studying with the Archery Academy will train and compete in the sport of archery.
Mountain Biking Academy
Mountain biking is one of the fastest growing outdoor adventure sports in the UK. Our location in the Wye Valley is ideal for a mountain biking academy. We have access to hills and several mountainous courses. The academy focuses on teaching the knowledge, skills and understanding required to ride over natural terrain including the ability to manoeuvre over trees, branches, rocks and streams. All learners will train and compete in mountain bike events.
This course is based on lectures and practical skills development and is the equivalent to three A Levels. On completion, there is a clear progression route to higher education courses at university in sports studies, teaching, leisure management and other related areas. Some students decide to go straight into employment, roles include: sports coaching, management & development to fitness training.
Core subjects:
- The body in action
- Health and safety in sport
- Training for fitness in sport
- Fitness testing for sport and exercise
- Sports nutrition
- Psychology for sports performance
- Technical and tactical skills in sport
- The athletes lifestyle
Specialist:
- Sports coaching
- Sport and society
- Sports development
- Sports injuries
- Analysis of sports performance
- Talent identification and development in sport
- Rules, regulations and officiating in sport
- Instructing physical activity and exercise
- Organising sports events
- Sport as a business
Additional Qualifications
Your programme of study will include Key Skills numeracy and literacy. All students will also be given the opportunity to complete specific qualifications within their chosen academy.
Assessment
Assessment is continuous. A range of assessment methods are used including: written tasks, group and individual presentations, reports, video analysis and practical skill observations. All units are assessed, graded and internally verified. A sample of units is then externally verified. An overall grade for the qualification is then awarded according to the accumulative score of all units achieved.
Key Facts
Campus: Holme Lacy
Minimum Age: 16
Duration: 2 Years Full-Time
Award: BTEC National Diploma in Sport – Performance and Excellence.
Level: 3
Entry Requirements:
First Certificate (at Merit or Distinction) supported by two GCSEs at C and above / First Diploma in a related subject (at Merit or Distinction) / Apprenticeship / Minimum Four GCSEs at grades A to C
Students must show clear evidence that they are a serious competitor in sport and compete in a league. Places will be offered subject to a successful interview.
Typical Employment:
Teaching, sports development officer, sports therapy, coaching.
Further Study:
Foundation Degree, Higher National Diploma or a Degree level course in a related subject, such as sports studies, sports science, leisure management, coaching management or teacher training.
Contact: 0800 032 1986
enquiries@hct.ac.uk
