Who is the course for?

This course is suitable for students who share a passion for Outdoor pursuits and who may wish to pursue a career in Outdoor Adventure Education. Students must be prepared for a theory approach and have a serious commitment to Outdoor pursuits.

Will I need any qualifications or experience to do the course?

A minimum of four GCSEs at grade C or above are required, including Maths, Science, English, or First Diploma Sport or Outdoor Education (with 4 Distinction units achieved),

Please note you do not have to study Outdoor Education in Years 7 - 9 to apply for this course.

There will be a limited number of places available on the course. Priority will be given to students who can show evidence of previous experience in leadership, outdoor activities or involvement with outdoor organisations.

What will I do on the course?

Students will study 6 units each year, a total of 12 units. Students must achieve the following 6 Core Units:

• The Body in Action
• Health and Safety in Sport
• Training and Fitness for Sport
• Leadership in Sport
• Principles and Practices in Outdoor Adventure
• Equipment & Facilities for Outdoor &
• Adventurous Activities

Students will also be required to complete the following 6 specialist units:

• Working with Children in Sport
• Environmental Education for Outdoor Adventure
• Skills for Land-based Outdoor & Adventure Activities
• Skills for Water-based & Adventurous Activities
• Leading Land-based Outdoor & Adventurous Activities
• Outdoor & Adventurous Expeditions

How will I be taught?

The course pathways are taught both in the classroom and through practical sessions.

A large proportion of the course will involve students gaining practical experience following adventurous activities: Sailing, Rock Climbing, Skiing/ Snowboarding, Kayaking, Orienteering, Mountaineering, Team Building, Mountain Biking, Camp-craft, Night Navigation.

How will I be assessed?

Students should be very aware that this course is theory-based, and should remember that there are no exams at the end of this course, the coursework demands can be quite intense at times. This is not a soft option—you need to be fully committed to succeed on this course.

What qualifications will I gain from the course

EdExcel BTEC National Certificate in Sport (Outdoor Adventure). Each unit will be graded Merit or Distinction, and the number of points gained for each unit will be totalled to give an overall grade.

If a student does not pass all units by the end of the course, a Certificate of Achievement in the units passed and the grades gained can be issued. However, we are confident that students accepted are capable of achieving the full award given appropriate attendance, determination and coursework submissions.

BTEC NATIONAL CERTIFICATE SPORT - OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

What can I do next?

On successful completion of the course students can progress onto a successful career outdoors, or progress on to higher education to study such subjects as BA (Hons) Adventure Education or Leisure Management.

Higher Education:

• Sports related degrees, teaching certification,
• Outdoor Education related degrees.

Careers:

• Multi-activity Instructor,
• Water-Sports Instructor
• Mountain Leader
• Ski Instructor.

Additional Awards

Students will also have the opportunity to take some additional awards, such as:

• First Aid
• Life Saving qualifications
• RYA Level 2 Dinghy
• RYA Level 2 Powerboat
• BCU 2* Kayak Award
• Residentials and Expeditions

Students will be encouraged to participate in residential experiences and expeditions in remote parts of Wales and England.