The programmes encompass areas of study from physiology, psychology and social issues, to sports coaching, leadership, health & fitness, as well as practical performance analysis and development. Sessions are a mixture of academic theory with applied vocational practice, aimed to develop your knowledge and performance skills as a great pathway to study at university or step into a career in the sports industry. Students can study different sizes of the Sports BTEC, running for two years alongside other A Levels or Vocational Qualifications.

Sport & Exercise Science - Topics Covered

Sport and Exercise Physiology (Examined Unit)
Functional Anatomy (Examined Unit)
Sport and Exercise Psychology (Examined Unit)
Field and Laboratory-based Fitness Testing
Coaching for Performance and Fitness
Biomechanics in Sport and Exercise Science
Specialised Fitness Training
Applied Research Methods
Research Project

Sport - Topics Covered

Anatomy and Physiology in Sport (Examined Unit)
Fitness Training and Programming (Examined Unit)
Professional Development in Sport
Sports Leadership
Fitness Testing
Sports Psychology
Practical Sports Performance
Coaching for Performance
Sports Business (Examined Unit)
Skill Acquisition

I knew that Sport and Exercise Science was an area that after GCSE I wanted to stay in and after meeting the teachers in the sport department, their enthusiasm made me even more certain I wanted to study the course. Over the past two years, Sport has also been extremely enjoyable for me. Neil and Lloyd, who have taught me for the entire course, are two of the most enthusiastic teachers I have ever had. The entire atmosphere around the sports department is one that is engaging and positive, with a hands on approach to learning about all the different areas of sports psychology and coaching, as well as biomechanics.
Henry Swain (2019-21) ex Peacehaven Community School

Course Essentials

Courses Available

Single BTEC Level 3 Sport (equivalent to 1 A Level)
Double BTEC Level 3 Sport or Sport & Exercise Science (equivalent to 2 A Levels)

Entry Requirements

PLUS

Minimum Grade 4 in GCSE Science (if taking Sport & Exercise Science course)

How The Course is Assessed

The courses are assessed through a range of methods including external exams, internal coursework assignments and a range of practical assessments. These all contribute to students gaining an overall grade.

Career Pathways

If you are passionate about sport, physical activity, health or fitness, this is the subject for you. The course can be used as access to a university sports related degree (Sports & Exercise Science, Coaching, Sports Development, PE teaching), or it can provide a route into employment in the sports and fitness sector.

Transferable Skills

Students will develop academic skills; research, evaluation, analysis & discussion in social and physical sciences, and practical skills; leadership, teamwork, organisation & problem solving as well as enhancing fitness and health. The economic impact of sport places it within the top 15 sectors in England, and its wider economic benefit make it a key part of society today. With over 440,000 jobs in England and a growing focus on health and participation in physical activity, in addition to the teamwork and leadership skills, it will support your success in other careers.

Other Information

Students may also undertake additional vocational qualifications to support their Level 3 programme and diversify their CV. These include Gym Instructing, Sports Leadership, Coaching Badges & Duke of Edinburgh

Whether you are motivated by developing your sports performance or just interested in getting back into sport, these courses have something for you.

Sport Instagram

Enquiries To

Jude Macdonald: jum@varndean.ac.uk