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Cambridge Technical Sports and Physical Activity Diploma

Athena Sixth Form College - Downham Market

Bexwell Road, Downham Market, Norfolk, PE38 9LL

Vocationally-related Qualification (VRQ)
Level 3
Leisure, Travel and Tourism

Available start dates

Available start dates

Tuesday, 01 September 2026
Athena Sixth Form College - Downham Market
2 Not Set

Application Instructions

Please apply through our website at https://asf.tela.org.uk/

General Entry Requirements

A Level Programme Entry Requirements

  • Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 6 or above
  • Minimum of a 6 in English and Maths and Science if taking A level Sciences.

The opportunity to study four Advanced level subjects will be offered to some particularly well-qualified applicants, currently defined as students who have achieved at least an average grade 7 across their best seven GCSE subjects.

Vocational and Applied Diploma Entry Requirements

  • Merit at Level 2 in chosen area of study
  • Minimum of 5 GCSE's at grade 4 or above including at least a grade in English and Maths

**Please refer to each subject's entry requirements for additional entry requirements for that subject**

Course Summary

At Athena, we are proud to offer two Level 3 qualifications in Sport. This option - the Diploma - is equivalent to two A-Levels and can therefore be studied alongside 1 other subject. Our other offer - the Extended Certificate - is equivalent to one A-Level and can therefore be studied alongside 2 other subjects.

The Level 3 OCR Cambridge Technical Sport courses are not just about being able to play sport, it will provide learners with the skills, knowledge and understanding to progress into Higher Education on a sport-related programme such as Sport and Physical Education, Sport Science, Sport Coaching and Development or Sport and Leisure Management.

Course Details

  • Unit 1 Body Systems and the Effects of Physical Activity (Exam)
  • Unit 2 Sports Coaching and Activity Leadership
  • Unit 3 Sports Organisation and Development (Exam)
  • Unit 4 Working Safely in Sport, Exercise, Health and Leisure (Exam)
  • Unit 5 Performance Analysis in Sport and Exercise
  • Unit 8 Organisation of Sports Events
  • Unit 11 Physical Activity for Specific Groups
  • Unit 13 Health and Fitness Testing for Sport and Exercise
  • Unit 17 Sports Injuries and Rehabilitation
  • Unit 18 Practical Skills in Sport and Physical Activities
  • Unit 19 Sport and Exercise Psychology

How will it be delivered and assessed?

The Diploma course requires assessments in practical performances as part of Unit 18: Practical Skills in Sport and Physical Activities. Learners will be assessed in two different sports, covering one individual activity, one team activity, an officiating role such as refereeing or umpiring, and participation in an outdoor and adventurous activity.

There are 3 exam units and 8 coursework units - some of these have practical elements to them, including the need to be taking part in sport. You can see the full list of modules in the 'content' box The units are graded as Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction*. The Diploma is graded as PP, PM, MM, MD, DD, DD*, D*D*.

There is also the option to have football timetabled as a regular enrichment opportunity.

The course also features enrichment opportunities to enhance students’ practical skills and industry knowledge. These include work placements, sports leadership programs, guest speakers, industry visits, extracurricular sports clubs, and specialised workshops. Notable trips include:
  • Trip to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
  • Wembley Stadium Tour
  • Trips to Go Ape

Entry requirements

4 in GCSE P.E (or an equivalent: Level 2 Pass in Cambridge Nationals).

Your next steps...

The Level 3 Cambridge Technical Sport courses provide a comprehensive foundation for students aspiring to pursue careers in the sports industry or further their education. Graduates of this program can explore various pathways, including:

  • Higher education opportunities such as university degrees in sports science, physical education, sports coaching, sports management, and physiotherapy.
  • Professional roles in the sports industry like fitness training, sports coaching, sports development, and leisure management.
  • Apprenticeships and specialised training programs in various sports-related fields.

These qualifications equip students with practical skills and theoretical knowledge that are highly valued, fostering the development of a well-rounded skill set that meets the dynamic demands of the sports sector.


For more courses like this, check our courses page.