About the sport sector

Sport, activity and fitness is a growing industry: it is expected to increase in size by 11 per cent by 2020. There are currently over 400,000 jobs in the UK. Sport, activity and fitness also has a positive impact on the health of the nation. Regular sport and physical activity can reduce the risk of many chronic conditions and illnesses, including coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, cancer and obesity. The Department of Health and Social Care is encouraging inactive people to take up activity in any form and the government has broadened Sport England’s role to cover both sport and physical activity, including cycling, dancing and walking. There has never been a better time to study sport, activity and fitness. Study of this sector at Key Stage 4 will complement GCSE study through providing an opportunity for practical application alongside conceptual study. There are also strong opportunities for post-16 progression in this vital sector.

What does the qualification cover?

The Tech Award gives learners the opportunity to develop sector-specific knowledge and skills in a practical learning environment. The main focus is on the knowledge and understanding of skills in health, fitness, activity and sport. Learners will develop: • knowledge of the body systems, common sports injuries and technological advances that impact on sport and activity • key skills that support their theoretical understanding of the training, nutrition and psychological factors that influence and impact on engagement in sport and activity • an understanding of the underpinning principles of leadership and the physical and psychological benefits for session participants. Learners will investigate methods of planning, delivering and reviewing sessions for a range of target groups. The qualification builds on and uses the knowledge and skills learned in GCSEs. It has a broad focus on building knowledge and skills, including exploring the impact of technology and psychology on sport and activity. It will complement some aspects of the theoretical approach offered by GCSE Biology and GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition, by allowing learners to apply their knowledge and skills, for example by learning how nutritional habits can impact sport and activity.

What can the qualification lead to?

Study of the qualification as part of Key Stage 4 learning will help learners to make more informed choices for further learning, either generally or in this sector. The choices that learners can make post-16 will depend on their overall level of attainment and their performance in the qualification. Learners who generally achieve at Level 2 across their Key Stage 4 learning might consider progression to: • A Levels as preparation for entry to higher education in a range of subjects • study of a vocational qualification at Level 3, such as a BTEC National in Sport, which prepares learners to enter employment or an Apprenticeship, or to move to higher education by studying a degree in the sport or sport and exercise areas. Learners who generally achieve at Level 1 across their Key Stage 4 learning might consider progression to: • study at Level 2 post-16 in a range of technical routes designed to lead to work, to employment, to an Apprenticeship, or to further study at Level 3; for these learners, the attitudes and the reflective and communication skills covered in this qualification will help them achieve • study of sport post-16 through the study of a Technical Certificate, for example a Pearson BTEC Level 2 Technical Diploma for Sport and Activity Leaders. Learners who perform strongly in this qualification compared to their overall performance should strongly consider this progression route as, ultimately, it can lead to employment in the sport sector.

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