Q61EDSPA : NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity

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Who is this course for?
Are you interested in becoming a PE Teacher, a Sports Coach or Manager, a Fitness Instructor, or do you just enjoy learning about sport?

This course enables you to focus on improving your own or other athletes’ performance through coaching, fitness training, technology, psychology, and nutrition. The theoretical background to sports activities and exercise is reinforced with practical learning and assessment.

Over the two years, you will cover a range of different topics that can include: Anatomy and Physiology, Coaching, Fitness, Nutrition, Psychology for Sports and Performance, Practical Team Sports, and Individual Sports. Other options may also be on offer, such as: Leadership in Sport, Sports Injuries, Sport and Massage, Organising a Sports Event, Fitness Training and Programming.

What are the entry requirements for the course?
You will need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 (grade C) or higher, one of these must be either Maths or English Language, in addition to science and preferably P.E.

How long is this course?
A two-year full-time course beginning in September and finishing in June.

What will I study on this course?
A range of sports related topics over two years. The qualifications are designed to give learners the skills, knowledge and understanding of the sport and physical activity sector. These qualifications will act as a steppingstone to a range of occupations, often through the route of higher education.

These are the units you may study:
- Exercise, Health and Lifestyle – learners will understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle and provide lifestyle improvement strategies to an individual. Learners will investigate the impact of various factors such as exercise, alcohol and diet on a person’s lifestyle. Learners will then assess an individual’s lifestyle and create a health related physical activity plan.
- Preparing for a Career in Sport and Physical Activity – learners will recognise the employment opportunities and trends in the sport and physical activity sector. They will prepare for a chosen career in the sector before undertaking and reviewing their performance in an interview for a sport and physical activity job.
- Sports Coaching – aims to give learners the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills required for coaching and allows them to plan and deliver effective coaching sessions.
- Coaching Special Populations – allows the learner to enhance knowledge and understanding of sports coaching for special populations groups. The unit looks at differences in delivery methods, activities and coaching practice for specific groups of participants, meaning learners have practical experience of delivery with these groups.

- Analysis of Sports Performance – learners will understand the factors that influence the performance of an athlete. Learners will analyse the performance of a selected athlete and provide feedback to the athlete based on this assessment. Learners will understand the importance of observing, analysing and evaluating sports skills and techniques.
- Fitness Testing for Sport and Exercise – learners will understand laboratory and field-based fitness tests. Learners will undertake health screening techniques and deliver appropriate fitness tests for selected individuals. The learner will consider the results of the fitness tests and make conclusions Fitness Training and Programming – earners will understand the different methods of fitness training and will prepare fitness training sessions for the different components of physical fitness. Learners will create, monitor and review a fitness training programme.
- Leadership in Sport – learners will understand the qualities, characteristics and roles of effective sports leaders. They will understand the importance of psychological factors in leading sports activities. Learners will plan and lead their own sports activity session, reviewing its effectiveness Work Experience in Sport – learners will understand work–based opportunities in sport and they will develop their own skills by undertaking and reviewing a work-based experience.
- Practical Team Sports – allows learners to participate in contrasting team sports and explore the sports skills, tactics, rules and regulations, including team formations and phases of play. In the second part of the unit learners will develop, practice and refine these skills and tactics in their selected team sports. Learners will also analyse their own performance and that of others, identifying strengths and areas for improvement, including development of improvement strategies.

- Practical Individual Sports – allows learners to participate in individual sports. Learners will explore the sports’ skills, tactics, rules and regulations. In the second part of the unit learners will develop, practice and refine these skills and tactics in their selected sport. Learners will also analyse their own performance and that of others, identifying strengths and areas for improvement, including development of improvement strategies.
- Technical and Tactical Skills in Sport – the learner will understand the technical skills and tactics demanded by selected sports. Learners will assess their own technical and tactical skills as a sports performer in a chosen sport. Learners will produce a development plan to further enhance their own technical and tactical ability in a chosen sport.
- Psychology for Sports Performance – learners will develop their knowledge of psychology theory and how it affects sports performance. Learners will understand what affects personality, motivation, anxiety and arousal and apply this to assess the psychological skills of an athlete. Learners will plan a psychological skills training programme in order to enhance the performance of an athlete.
- Sports Nutrition – learners will understand the structure and function of the digestive system, the importance of hydration and the components of a balanced diet in relation to sports performance. Learners will know how to plan an appropriate diet plan for a selected sports performer and activity.

- Principles of Anatomy and Physiology – learners explore the structure and function of various body systems including the respiratory, cardiovascular, skeletal and energy systems. Learners will examine how these systems respond to different types of exercise.
- Instructing Physical Activity and Exercise – learners will understand the principles of safe and effective physical activity and exercise sessions. They will design a physical activity/exercise programme before planning and delivering their own session. Learners will then review the design of their programme and the delivery of their session.
- Sports Injuries – learners will understand causes of common sports injuries and how these can be prevented. Learners will understand the physiological and psychological effects of sports injuries and will understand the methods of treatment for sports injuries. Learners will plan treatment and rehabilitation programmes for sports injuries.
- Sport and Exercise Massage – learners will understand the effects and benefits of sports massage. Learners will produce a treatment plan for an athlete and use appropriate massage techniques throughout the treatment. Learners will review the treatment plan and their own performance to suggest further treatment opportunities and areas for own improvement.

What Qualification will I gain?
NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity (equivalent to 3 A levels) with additional sport, fitness and OA related opportunities and qualifications available.

Will I go out on work experience?
Courses at Highlands are about preparing you for the world of work. As part of your course, you will learn how to go about presenting yourself to an employer to stand the best chance of getting the job you are looking for. You will spend at least one week in a work placement.

What does this course lead on to?
This 3 A level equivalent course can help towards any of the following careers, (48 – 168 UCAS points):

Personal Trainer | Sports Therapist | Sports Development Officer | Sports Coach | Sports Journalist | Sports Analyst | Sports Scientist | Sports Psychologist | Nutritionist | PE Teacher | Referee

Higher Education:
University College Jersey (Highlands College) Higher National Certificate/Diploma (HNC/HND) in Sport and Exercise Science, with further progression to a BA top-up degree.
Study at a UK or International University.

How much will it cost?
There are no fees for this course but students must obtain a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) – £45 and enrol on the Update Service (£13).

How can I find out more?
For further information, please contact the Highlands College Admissions team on: 608582 or email:
Full Time Applications on fulltimeapplications@highlands.ac.uk

Additional Information
The objectives of these qualifications are to allow learners to gain an in-depth understanding of the sport and physical activity sector, give learners the opportunity to investigate career opportunities in the sport and physical activity sector, and allow learners to choose content which relates to their own interests, aspirations, and progression choices. Work experience and enrichment opportunities exist within the course to broaden the student experience.

All 6th form courses are subject to minimum enrolment numbers. Where a course does not meet the required number it will be reluctantly cancelled for that academic year. Affected applicants will be contacted and offered a transfer to another course if a suitable one is available.

International students should contact Jersey Immigration on immigration@gov.je Immigration For further information, before making an application.

Q61EDSPA
08/09/2025
25/06/2027
34 weeks
To be confirmed
Highlands College
£0.00

If you are enquiring for, applying to or enrolling on this course for yourself, please click the appropriate button below.

The leading provider of Adult & Community Education on the island.

The majority of our courses are delivered at our dedicated Adult Education Centre during the day and some evening classes too with parking outside.

Whatever you want to do to enhance your skills, learn something or achieve a qualification you will find it at ACE.

Open Can anyone apply for a course?

The Adult & Community Education (ACE) programme is only available to students who are no longer in compulsory education and are aged 18 or over.

Open How do I apply for a course?

You can book and pay for your ACE course online!

  1. Go to www.highlands.ac.uk and click on ACE Leisure Courses
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Open How do I pay for a course?

  • Use a MasterCard, Visa or Maestro credit or debit card online
  • Supply mastercard, visa or Maestro credit or debit card information over the telephone or by person only. It is no longer acceptable to take written note of your card details.
  • Pay by cheque. Cheques should be made out to “Treasurer of the States”. If you are applying for more than one course please enclose separate cheques for each. This will enable us to return fees for courses that are already full and still process other applications without delay. Post your form and cheque to Highlands College – Student Records, Highlands Lane, St Saviour JE1 1HL.

Open Can I pay the course fee by instalments or by post-dated cheque?

Unfortunately, no. You will not have your application confirmed until payment is received in full. Remember payment can be made via credit card, cheque, postal order or, if applying in person, in cash.

Open What do my course fees pay for?

All ACE course fees include your tuition and a registration fee. They may also include a contribution towards the cost of demonstration materials, venue rental, handouts, artist models, equipment or assessment fees. PLEASE NOTE: be prepared to supply materials in addition to your course fees depending on your course, for example flowers, cooking ingredients, art and craft materials or specialist clothing.

Open When do courses run?

ACE courses vary in length from half-day workshops to one academic year. The majority of courses follow an academic timetable and may include half-term, bank holiday or other breaks.

Open What if my course is relocated, rescheduled or cancelled?

We make every effort to avoid doing this, but occasionally it is necessary. This is why it is vitally important for us to have your current telephone numbers or e-mail address in order that we can contact you as speedily as possible. If you have a mobile telephone number, we will use a text message service to inform you of any changes to your course. If the change is not acceptable to you, a full refund will be issued. Please note, our text message service is a non-reply service.

Open Eligibility for ACE courses

The Adult & Community Education (ACE) programme is only available to students aged 18 or over. (Unless specified in the course information).

Open Application priority

Applications for Adult & Community Education (ACE) leisure courses are accepted on a first come, first served basis on receipt of the fees. If the wait list is sufficiently large and additional tutors and facilities are available another course may be set up, for which you will be offered a place.

Open Fee concessions

If you are aged 60 or over, an automatic concession is applied to your course fee on application.

Open Cancellations

A minimum enrolment number is required to recover the full costs of providing a course. If numbers of students fail to reach this minimum we reluctantly cancel it. Applicants are provided with a full refund or a transfer to another suitable course if one is available.

Open Refunds

Unfortunately, we only offer a refund if a course has been cancelled by Highlands College. Circumstances such as illness, work commitments or leaving the Island are not considered for refunds. Course places cannot be deferred to another term and are not transferable to another person.
Highlands Professional courses offers a range of professional qualifications to enhance your career opportunities.
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Open What are the entry requirements for this course?

Entry requirements differ depending on the course. You may be required to attend an interview in the first instance to assess the suitable of the qualification for your learning and requirements. Please contact the relevant department’s Course Administrator to discuss this further.

Open Who do I make cheques payable to?

Cheques should be made out to “Treasurer of the States”. If you are applying for more than one course, please enclose separate cheques for each. This will enable us to return fees for courses that are already full and still process other applications without delay. You may also pay by MasterCard, Visa or Maestro by filling out the required card details.

Open Can I pay the course fee by instalments?

In some instances an instalment plan may be possible, please discuss this with the Course Administrator.

Open When do courses run?

Highlands College part-time courses vary in length from evening or half-day workshops to two or three academic years. The majority of courses follow an academic timetable and may exclude half terms, bank holidays or other breaks.

Open What happens if the course I want is full?

Our policy is to accept applications on a first-come, first-served basis on receipt of fees. However, if a course is full a person’s name can be added to a waiting list. If the list is sufficiently large and additional tutors and facilities are available, another course may be set up and you will be contacted.

Open What if my course is relocated, rescheduled or cancelled?

We make every effort to avoid doing this, but occasionally it is necessary. This is why it is vitally important for us to have your current telephone numbers or e-mail address in order that we can contact you as speedily as possible. If you have a mobile telephone number, we may use a text message service to inform you of any changes to your course. Please note, our text message service is a non-reply service.

Open Why are some courses cancelled?

A minimum enrolment number is required to recover the full costs of providing the course. If numbers of students fail to reach this minimum, we reluctantly cancel it. We contact the applicants and provide a full refund, or offer a transfer to another course if a suitable one is available.

Open How will my course be assessed?

Assessment varies depending on the course. Some may require formal written or practical assessment or attendance at examinations.

Open If I can no longer attend the class, can I get a refund?

Unfortunately we only offer a refund if your course has been cancelled by Highlands College. Circumstances such as illness, work commitments or leaving the Island are not considered for refunds. In some instances course fees may be able to be transferred to a module/unit within the same qualification. Fees or course places cannot be transferred to another person.

Open Application priority

Applications for Highlands Professional are accepted on a first come, first served basis on receipt of fees. If a student withdraws you may be offered a place, or if the waiting list is sufficiently large and additional tutors and facilities are available, another course may be set up, for which you will be offered a place.

Open Cancellations

A minimum enrolment number is required to recover the full costs of providing a course. If numbers of students fail to reach this minimum we reluctantly cancel it. Applicants are provided with a full refund or a transfer to another suitable course if one is available.

Open Refunds

Unfortunately we only offer a refund if a course has been cancelled by Highlands College. Circumstances such as illness, work commitments or leaving the island are not considered for refunds. In some instances course fees may be able to be transferred to a module/unit within the same qualification. Fees or course places cannot be transferred to another person.

Open What do I need to do before sitting the Citizenship Test?

The test is based on the handbook “Life in the United Kingdom” 3rd Edition and on the Jersey Supplement (October 2022), both must be read fully. You should therefore prepare for the test by reading these publications (see question below ‘What does the test consist of?’). Copies of “Life in the United Kingdom” may be purchased from a bookshop or downloaded from here. The Jersey supplement is issued free of charge and is available from the Customs and Immigration Service and Highlands College.

Open What does the test consist of?

You will have 45 minutes in which to answer 24 questions selected at random from a large bank of questions. Eighteen questions will be based on the handbook “Life in the United Kingdom” and six on the Jersey supplement. Part One of the supplement is a short history of Jersey and Part Two is a profile of life in Jersey now and in more recent times. The questions are in a multiple choice or “true or false” format and therefore there is little writing to do.

Open What happens after I have taken the test?

The test will be marked by Highlands College and if you pass you will be awarded a certificate. You must then produce that certificate when you make your application for naturalisation to the Customs & Immigration Service.

Open What if I fail the test?

There is no restriction on the number of times you sit the test but you will have to pay the full fee on each occasion that you take it.

Open I’m not sure if my knowledge of English is good enough, what should I do?

If you are in doubt you may arrange with Highlands College to be assessed by an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) assessor.

Open My knowledge of English is not good enough to take the Citizenship Test. I still want to become a British citizen, what can I do?

You are advised to enrol on an ESOL language course with Highlands College.

Open Where can I get advice from about naturalisation?

You may contact the Passport Office of the Customs and Immigration Service at Maritime House, St Helier, Jersey JE1 1JD
Email enquiries: passports@gov.je
Telephone: 01534 448 033

More information about the Citizenship test from the States of Jersey can be found here: Citizenship test (gov.je)

Open What else do I need to know?

All tests will start at 6.00 PM and will last for 45 minutes.

On the day of the test, you will have to bring your passport as proof of identity.

Please note no other forms of ID will be accepted.

Please note no cellphones or smartwatches may be taken into the exam room.

Open How long will it take to get my result?

Certificates may take up to 10 working days to be issued, so please take this into consideration when making arrangements with Immigration.