Diploma in Sport (Sports Coaching)

Course information

If you can’t get enough of sport and/or fitness and have your sights set on becoming a sports coach, PE teacher or fitness instructor, then this is the course for you. Then this will be on your first step in to a career in the sport, health and fitness industry!

The first thing you’ll notice about this course is that it’s about both practical and theoretical learning – you’ll be spending a lot of time outside the classroom doing practical sport and fitness in our on-campus sports hall, fully equipped gym and grass pitches. There are no exams at all; the course is a combination of practical and portfolio-based assessments.

At Duchy Stoke we have two pathways within the Level 2 qualification: football or fitness.

If you are interested in the football pathway; Duchy College Stoke has an amazing partnership in place with Plymouth Argyle FC. Students have the opportunity to enrol on a post 16 football development programme with high quality training delivered by Argyle staff twice a week and fixtures taking place most Wednesday afternoons, all of which go towards the evidence needed to complete your course, playing football actually is your college course. The Plymouth Argyle staff are on site for each day of the pathway, using their specialist industry expertise to support coach development and to improve individual player performance.

If you are interested in the fitness pathway: Duchy College Stoke have developed a new partnership with the state-of-the-art gym provision at The Zone in nearby Callington. You will travel to The Zone for some of your practical sessions where they have a combination of fitness equipment covering all aspects of fitness. In addition to the Duchy team having fitness industry experience and qualifications, the team at the Zone will be able to add their insight as you work on both your own physical fitness and learn how to coach in the fitness setting.

You’ll be looking at everything: strength & conditioning techniques, skills and the beginnings of tactical awareness along with teamwork and leadership. In addition, you will be carrying out your very own personal fitness plan as you progress through the course. In essence, you’ll be developing all of the essential skills you need to start your journey towards a career in sport, health and fitness

As a Level 2 course, this diploma is all about introducing you to everything from the theory behind how the body works, to the practical steps needed to plan and coach your very own sport/fitness session. Our highly-skilled and motivated staff have a wealth of knowledge and experience in sport, health and fitness. They are there to give you the very best start to your career.

What You Will Learn

This one-year introduction will provide the foundation knowledge of anatomy and physiology, you will learn about the principles of training and how to perform practically to achieve sporting excellence.

By gaining an introduction to sports coaching, you will be prepared for the more specialised tactical awareness, sporting skills, awareness of healthy exercise and nutrition moving onto further qualifications.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for external applicants and school leavers
• Three or more GCSEs at Grade 3 or above, or successful completion of a relevant Level 1 qualification.

Entry requirements for existing learners with the Cornwall College Group
• Successful completion of previous course and, where relevant, progress in maths and/or English.

A minimum of three GCSEs at grade D (3) (to include English and PE/maths desirable) or you will have successfully completed a relevant Level 1 programme including English Functional Skills Level 1.

Work Experience

The learning is supplemented with engagement with industry specialists as you will complete a mandatory work experience as part of your level 2 programme.

Assessment

You will be assessed through written assignments, professional discussions, group work, practical assessments and presentations.

Progression

Once you’ve finished the Level 2 course, you’ll have a real understanding of the foundations to sports coaching including health and fitness; and be ready to move on to the more advanced Level 3 courses. Alternatively you could look to enter the industry as a leisure assistant or assistant coach.

Duchy College Stoke Climsland

Duchy College Stoke Climsland

Set on stunning rolling hillsides, our campus epitomises the very best of land-based education. The recent addition of the £4 million Future Farm research facility means students and businesses are at the heart of the next evolution of environmental farming. Whether it’s a love of horses, sport, protective services, heavy machinery or animal care, nobody forgets their time at Duchy College Stoke Climsland. It’s time to secure your #careercollege experience.

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