Develop a deep understanding of the science behind sport and physical performance. This course explores key topics such as anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, psychology, and nutrition, helping to uncover what drives elite performance and supports injury prevention. Practical applications bring theory to life, with laboratory-based testing, fitness assessments, and the opportunity to design tailored training programmes.
The balance of scientific study and applied learning prepares students for a range of career pathways, from sports therapy and coaching to physiotherapy and exercise science. Strong links to industry provide real-world insights and hands-on experience, building the skills needed to progress to higher education or employment. Ideal for those passionate about sport and committed to understanding how the body and mind work together to optimise performance, this qualification equips students with the expertise and confidence to thrive in the fast-evolving world of sport, health, and fitness.
You will need 5 GCSEs at grade 4-9, including English Language and Sport/PE or Science.
Study level | Cost |
---|---|
16-18 | Free |
Functional Anatomy: This unit is assessed by a written examination set and marked by Pearson. The examination will be one hour and 30 minutes in length. The number of marks for the assessment is 60. The paper will contain a number of short and long-answer questions that will assess your understanding of the anatomy of the cardiovascular, respiratory, skeletal, and muscular systems. Learners will use their knowledge and understanding of the different systems to analyse how they produce movements in sport and exercise, including how they interrelate to carry out those movements. The assessment availability is twice a year in January and May/June.
Applied Sports & Exercise Psychology: This unit will be assessed through a single part task, written and marked by Pearson. This single part task will be taken under supervised conditions in a single session of 3 hours timetabled by Pearson.
Coaching for Performance & Fitness: This unit is assessed through 3 internally assessed pieces of work. The first being a written report on the fitness requirements, physical characteristics and demands of a selected sport, the second being a presentation on methods of training for physical and skill-related fitness and the third being a series of training programme session deliveries to your peers.
Specialised Fitness Training: This unit is assessed through 3 internally assessed pieces of work. The first being a written report on the range of coaching methods and practices, the second being a presentation on reflection and planning a series of sessions and the third being a session delivery to your peers.
English and Maths are important life skills that will help you to achieve your best in your studies and progress to your dream career. If you have not already achieved grade 9-4 in GCSE Maths and/or English at school, we will support you to improve your skills.
Throughout the course, students will have opportunity to work with a wide range of industry professionals including strength and conditioning coaches/personal trainers, physiotherapists, psychologists, and professional coaches.
Our A Level programmes allow you to choose multiple subjects, enabling you to study 3–4 A Levels over two years or combine them with equivalent vocational qualifications, with each subject taught for 4 hours and 30 minutes per week across three separate lessons and your timetable determined by your chosen subjects (provided at the start of the academic year).
Although you are not required to be on campus when you do not have a timetabled lesson, we strongly recommend making effective use of our learning facilities and resources during these periods to stay on top of your work..
This qualification is part of the suite of sport and exercise science qualifications offered by Pearson. In the suite there are qualifications that focus on different progression routes, allowing learners to choose the one best suited to their aspirations.
You will study modules including:
- Functional Anatomy
- Applied Sports & Exercise Psychology
- Coaching for Performance & Fitness
- Specialised Fitness Training
This qualification opens doors to a wide range of opportunities in the sports and health industries. Many students progress to university courses in sports science, physiotherapy, sports therapy, and nutrition. A direct route into higher education is available with the FdSc in Sports Coaching & Performance, offering a seamless transition to advanced study. Career options include roles in coaching, personal training, rehabilitation, and strength and conditioning. With strong industry links and practical experience, graduates are well-prepared to thrive in professional sport, fitness, and healthcare settings or continue their studies to specialise further in this dynamic field.
Find out everything you need to know about Hartlepool Sixth Form and our exciting range of courses!
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