The sport and fitness industry is becoming more regulated, and employers and insurance tends towards professional recognition for many positions. It is therefore seen as very important that candidates are as well-prepared as they can be. Throughout the course you will undergo significant personal development, and gain valuable skills in organisation, planning and leadership – essential for your future progression within education and/or employment.
This National Progression Award at SCQF Level 6 (equivalent to a Higher) will improve your skills and knowledge relating to sport and fitness. You will be introduced to the rationale behind the use of circuit, cardiovascular and fixed weight training techniques, and equipment used in each exercise type. You will also develop safe and effective practical skills in these areas.
On successful completion of this course you will be able to identify safe and effective exercises, and describe their advantages and disadvantages. You will also be able to demonstrate and evaluate both the exercises and their own technical abilities, together with personal and facility equipment relating to the selected activities.
There are five units available, three of which must be completed to achieve the NPA. For some of the units teamwork will be involved, but all candidates must play a full part as it is the work/contribution of each individual that will be assessed. The units are designed to underpin the knowledge and skills required by employers, and are closely linked to the National Occupational Standards for each of the subject areas covered in the units. Units are as follows:
The course is designed to enhance your interest in exercise and fitness training, improve personal performance, develop reflective learning, and aid progression to further study of the subject. During the course you will learn:
As well as this, you will build a valuable understanding of health and safety in the workplace.
You will be taught using a range of methods and technologies – this includes practical participation work, group work and theory-based classroom teaching. The course will also be supported via the use of the College’s Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
To achieve the full qualification, you must attend regularly and successfully complete all units. Assessment will be carried out using a range of formative and summative approaches including observation of practical performance, closed-book assessment and review of case studies. Assessment is carried out on an ongoing basis, meaning there are no end of course exams.
Everything you need to know about applying for this course.
This course is suited to pupils who have achieved National 5 Physical Education. Pupils should provide a detailed pupil statement when completing their application and attend regularly to develop the skills required to achieve success. Appropriate sport clothing must be worn when taking part in practical activities.
Whilst you are taking part in the course, you will be required to provide and wear a sports kit and indoor trainers for the fitness and sports elements.
A selection process will be applied to all applicants.
Whether you wish to progress in your studies or enter the world of work, North East Scotland College has excellent progression opportunities, with links to several universities across Scotland and strong relationships with industry employers.
Upon successful completion of this course (if accompanied by the required Higher and/or NC level qualifications) you may be able to progress to one of the following full-time courses at North East Scotland College:
Articulation with Degree studies in courses such as Applied Sports Science at RGU may available. Possible subject areas include:
Those who wish to progress directly to employment within the sport and fitness sector will find that there is a substantial range of job opportunities available for properly qualified staff.
“There are excellent volunteering opportunities during the course and it’s so useful to be able to apply your newly learned knowledge in a real-life setting.”
“Everyone, regardless of age or background, deserves success. Don’t wait for the perfect moment; if you have a goal, believe in yourself and take that first step.”
“After finishing the evening course my mind was set on Sports Massage as my future career and I knew that I no longer wanted to go to University.”
“The evening class was a revelation. I never dreamt of a different career path but I just got completely hooked!”
“College has given me confidence to try challenging things out of my comfort zone. It’s better to try something and reach your full potential. I wouldn’t have considered working with children before or had the confidence to look at university degrees to consider applying for in the future. College has made me truly happy about my future and optimistic I can succeed and achieve things even at my age.”
“The air cadets boosted my passion for joining a service, and College gave me the confidence to grow as a person and develop my social skills in an environment where I felt I could thrive. It’s important to push yourself – you may surprise yourself by how much you can actually achieve.”
“I’d recommend the course to anyone interested in a career in sports & fitness. The facilities at College were great, the course was really interesting and I made some good friends along the way.”
“It’s a qualification that definitely leads directly to related employment which is what most people want out of their College experience.”
This course is only available to pupils in S4 to S6 across Aberdeen City and Shire, giving pupils the opportunity to experience life as a College student whilst staying on at school.
Please note, applications for schools courses must be submitted by a member of school staff.
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