Outdoor Adventure

Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre at Exeter Quay offers a wide range of activities, including sailing, canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking, coasteering, climbing, abseiling, caving, orienteering, archery, raft building, team building and first aid, as well as a Powerfan freefall descent. Working in partnership with Devon County Council, this world-class centre is used by outdoor adventure students as well as the community.

My course is really hands-on and practical, teaching us skills that you don’t get in the classroom. I really enjoy the theory too, we look at things like sports nutrition, health and safety and the history of the industry. The facilities at Haven Banks are fantastic.

Joel, studying Sport and Outdoor Activities BTEC Foundation Diploma Level 3. Previously studied at Torquay Boys’ Grammar School.

BTEC Level 2 Diploma | Duration: 1 year

This specialist course builds on your experience of outdoor adventurous activities and starts to develop your leadership and planning skills.

On this course you will:

ƒ Participate in a range of activities from kayaking to caving, beginning to take on the role of an instructor and leader ƒ Combine practical work and theory, studying subjects like anatomy and physiology ƒ Develop your knowledge and ability in fitness testing and training ƒ Plan and lead a range of sports

activities and gain valuable experience ƒ Have opportunities to achieve national governing body awards Assessment is by assignments, external examinations, observation and written work.

Choose this course if… you enjoy both outdoor and adventurous activities, as well as learning about health and fitness Future Steps: You could progress to the Level 3 qualification in Outdoor Adventure, an Outdoor Adventure Apprenticeship or work in the industry. Entry requirements: You will need a grade 3 (or above) in GCSE English Language and Maths. If you don’t have a grade 4 in English and Maths, you will be required to study for this alongside your course. Plus, you will need three GCSEs at grade 3 or above, or equivalent and two at grade 2 or above. You will need the personal qualities for working in the outdoor adventure industry.

SPORT AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma/Extended Diploma | Duration: 2 years

LEVEL 3

This course will take your knowledge, skills and experience of the outdoor adventurous activities industry to advanced level.

On this course you will:

ƒ Continue the development of your outdoor activity skills within kayaking, canoeing, climbing, sailing, caving and hill walking and navigation skills ƒ Develop your leadership skills, practice and experience ƒ Become competent in assessing and managing equipment, facilities and risk ƒ Gain advanced skills in a range of water based and land based adventurous activities ƒ Participate in work experience, study trips and expeditions ƒ Study topics such as nutrition and outdoor activity provision Assessment is mainly through coursework set by your lecturers, along with some externally assessed aspects. Choose this course if… you enjoy and want to develop your skills and leadership in outdoor and adventurous activities. The course is suitable for those that are enthusiastic, hard working and willing to push their comfort zone. Future Steps: On completion of this course you may wish to progress to a degree or enter the outdoor activities industry directly through employment. Entry requirements: You will need five GCSEs at grade 4 (or above) including English Language and Maths. You will also need a desire to participate and engage with a range of outdoor activities in a variety of environments and weather conditions. The personal qualities required to work in the outdoor and adventurous activities industry are essential.