Get ready to explore the science behind physical performance and how the body responds to exercise. This course offers a deep dive into key areas such as anatomy, physiology, sports psychology, and biomechanics, equipping you with the knowledge to understand how athletes achieve their best results. Through practical activities and theoretical study, you'll develop skills essential for careers in sports coaching, personal training, physiotherapy, and more. You’ll also gain insights into the latest industry practices, preparing you to make a real impact in the world of sports and fitness. Whether you aim to support elite athletes or inspire the next generation, this is your pathway to turning your passion into a rewarding career.
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.
Mon-Fri between 9am-4pm. Days and times of study are subject to change. Timetables are confirmed at the start of term.
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
Upon completing this qualification, students are well-prepared for further study at university in fields such as sports science, physiotherapy, sports coaching, or physical education. Alternatively, the skills gained can lead directly to employment in roles like personal training, sports coaching, fitness instruction, or health and wellness consultancy. With a strong foundation in both theory and practical application, graduates can pursue a wide range of career opportunities within the sport and fitness industries, from working with athletes to improving public health through exercise programmes.
Find out everything you need to know about Hartlepool Sixth Form and our exciting range of courses!
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A fresh start
Sometimes you just need a clean break to become the person you were destined to be. Starting college is the perfect opportunity to break free and become that new person!
New people
Our diverse student community means that you will meet lots of new people of different ages, backgrounds and interests, so you can enjoy making lifelong friendships!
Specialist Staff
Most of our lecturers are industry savvy and are experts in teaching 16-18 year olds. They have lots of valuable experience and knowledge to pass onto you.
Independence
College is a more mature and relaxed environment than school and you are treated like an adult. You’ll be on first name terms with your lecturers so no more Sir and Miss! You can also start to make your own decisions.
Free time
Your timetable will be very different to school. You will have a lot more free time to take part in extra-curricular activities, study, or get extra money and work experience with a part-time job.
Different environment
College is a very different learning environment to school. You may even become more inspired and have a new motivation to work towards your future goal in a college environment.
More choice
A college can offer a much wider choice of A-Level subjects, plus vocational courses in lots of different subjects and at different levels.
More opportunities
You will have the opportunity to take part in lots of different activities outside of the classroom to boost your confidence and help you develop your skills and personal qualities.
Specialist facilities
A college can invest in an extensive range of industry-standard facilities to give you the skills and knowledge to prepare for university or employment, and can also offer subjects that need specialist facilities.
Top performing college group in the North East for student achievement
*NARTS, 2024
97% of our students progress to university, employment or further study
*Hartlepool Sixth Form College, 2023-24
94% overall pass rate for T Levels
*2022-23
We have recently invested in a brand new state-of-the-art digital suite and health simulation ward.
