Adventure Education (NCFE Level 3 Diploma in Sport and Outdoor Activity)

The outdoor adventure education industry is a rapidly developing sector providing variety and opportunities to successful students.

These include positions in outdoor centres as activity instructors, expedition leaders/support staff, teaching roles and specialist adventure sport coaches.

Located in the centre of a National Park and making full use of the extensive College estate, the South Downs, local inland and coastal waters, College outdoor centre in Snowdonia, this comprehensive two year course covers a wide range of specialist subject areas, leading to the development of organisational and leadership skills alongside practical skills in a range of land and water based activities.

This makes the course ideally suited to individuals who have an interest or aptitude for adventure sport. Jobs in the outdoor sector require the ability to work with, and relate to, a diverse range of people in a variety of formal and informal situations. A high level of self-motivation linked to sound organisational skills is essential to developing a successful career. Students will need to demonstrate a keen interest in developing both their own technical skills and those of others.

Although it is not necessary to have a high level of fitness, students will be required to undertake a range of physical activity in order to meet the course requirements.

Indicative Programme Content - Diploma (two years), Specialist Units (two years), Indicative Programme Content, Programme Units Year 1.

There will be opportunities throughout the year to study additional qualifications that relate to the Outdoor Education Sector. These may include:

• NNAS (National Navigation Award Scheme)
• BMC (British Mountaineering Council)
• NICAS (National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme)
• RYA (Royal Yachting Association)
• BCU (British Canoe Union)
• Appropriate first aid qualifications
• College award, functional skills or GCSEs in English and Maths

You must have either:

• 5 GCSEs, including English, mathematics and science at a grade 4 or above,
• A Level 2 Certificate or Diploma in a related subject at Merit level or above plus 2 GCSEs including English & Maths at C or above.
• Mature students who do not possess any of the above qualifications will be considered individually.