BTEC National in Sport

Sport plays a big role in everything we do here at Ratcliffe. Whether you just like keeping active, have a deep passion for a chosen sport or honing your skills at a national level, this engaging hands-on BTEC Sport course could be for you. The sport sector is varied and exciting, with opportunities in teaching, coaching, sports science, biomechanics and more. It will lay the foundations for your future career.

Facilities

In recent years, Ratcliffe has shown it’s commitment and investment to sport across our beautiful 200 acre site. These facilities across the college are the centre piece for our BTEC Sport course. Our sporting facilities include:

• Synthetic Athletics Track
• 25m Swimming Pool
• A £1.3 million state-of-the art Fitness Suite
• A second additional £2.3 million sports hall

To find out more about our sports facilities, please check out our facilities page:

Facilities

Overview

BTEC Nationals are accepted by many universities worldwide as A-level equivalents. Employers and universities value the real-world skills BTEC learners demonstrate. The qualification is available in different sizes. They can be taken alongside A-levels, or as a full-time in-depth course. You will gain an understanding of the sector that will allow you to progress to university, an apprenticeship or directly to a career in sport.

Who can study this course?

There are no formal entry requirements, but you are expected to have qualifications at or equivalent to Level 2. You would be most likely to be accepted into the course if you have:

• 5 GCSEs at good grades and/or
• Passes in English, Mathematics and a single Science

Where will this take me in the Sport sector?

University

You can access a wide variety of degrees in the sport sector, leading to some exciting career opportunities. For example, you may wish to study a BA in Sports Development, Management/Marketing or a BSc in Sport Science, Sports Therapy or Sports Psychology. Entry requirements for degree programmes may vary.

Employment

A BTEC National in Sport can lead you to careers in coaching, sports nutrition, fitness and leisure, sports psychology, sports management, sports therapy or even go on to be involved in an elite sports environment.

What kind of things will I study?

You will study different units based on the size of your qualification. Some of the areas you cover may include:

• Sport and Exercise Physiology
• Field and Laboratory-based Fitness Testing
• Applied Research Methods in Sport and Exercise Science
• Coaching for Performance and Fitness
• Biomechanics in Sport and Exercise Science
• Sports Massage
• Sociocultural Issues in Sport and Exercise
• Technology in Sport and Exercise Science

How will I be assessed?

Your understanding will be assessed through a mix of exams, set tasks and assignments set by your teacher. Exam timetables vary, but usually exams are set in January and May/June. Your teacher may set assignments for you at any time in the year.

Can I re-sit exams?

• If you don’t pass an exam, you have two opportunities to resit.