OCR’s impressive squad of sports qualifications

Over the last 18 months, OCR has teamed up with leading UK sports organisations to develop a range of new sport qualifications designed to help all learners to progress towards further study or work in a wide range of sports related fields. Sport encompasses an enormous variety of jobs and the sector employs around half a million people in the UK.

OCR’s sports portfolio includes brand new GCSEs and AS/A Levels for first teaching in September 2016, the Level 2 Cambridge National vocational qualification as well as a new Level 3 Cambridge Technical in Sport and Physical Activity.

The new GCSEs and AS/A Levels provide excellent stepping stones for those interested in science-based areas of sport such as sports psychology, physiotherapy, nutrition or elite coaching. For those interested in more ‘hands on’ practical roles connected with sport, such as personal training and fitness instructing, leisure management or sports development, OCR’s Cambridge Nationals and Cambridge Technicals offer a clear progression route.

Sports Leaders UK and sports coach UK are just two of the major sports organisations shaping and supporting OCR’s new qualifications. In many cases, the content of the new qualifications contributes to existing professional sport qualifications. OCR’s work in partnership with IQL UK (Royal Life Saving Society UK) for example means that taking the Cambridge Technical will count towards qualifying as a life guard. Steve McQuaid, Head of Coach Education at sports coach UK said: “We are delighted to have been a key partner in the development of the new suite of Cambridge Technicals in Sport and Physical Activity. Due to this collaboration, the content taught will align with and incorporate the standards underpinning the UKCC Level 2 Club Coach."

"OCR’s sports portfolio reflects the exciting breadth and depth of sport," said OCR Subject Specialist Sara Mallett. “At the Youth Sports Trust conference on 3 March, we were amazed by the interest in the different options we offer from dozens of schools and colleges, from universities and from employers."

For further information about OCR’s range of Sports qualifications, visit our sport subject page, or get in touch with OCR via general.qualifications@ocr.org.uk or 01223 553998.