Match-fit facilities
Studying Sport at the College will give you access to high-quality equipment, large indoor and outdoor areas for training, and an on-site gym with cardio and weight training machines, which all contribute to a well-rounded learning experience.
Energy-fuelled excursions
Alongside our Public Services students, you will embark on amazing trips in the UK and overseas. Previous experiences have included visiting the Nou Camp and cycling around Barcelona, canoeing the Ardèche River, and taking part in the annual Oxfordshire College Games.
Pursue your passion for a rewarding career in sports.
From studying nutrition and sport psychology, to creating personal training plans for clients; a career in sport opens up a range of topics for you to find your specialism.
Coaching and fitness are key components of what we teach. This could be using the College's sport facilities and equipment to improve your physical abilities, taking part in competitive matches representing the College, or advising gym-goers on training regimes and delivering lessons. These all give you first-hand, important employment experience.
There are also visits and workshops to a variety of universities, to get an insight into options after college, and opportunities with local schools to deliver different sports. These experiences will promote a number of important 'soft' skills, such as leadership, confidence, problem-solving, and cultural and diversity awareness.
Staff Profile: Liam Hare
Liam is a former student of the College, studying on the Level 3 Sport course. From this, he went on to pursue a degree in Sport Coaching and Physical Education at Oxford Brookes University.
Starting as a Student Performance Manager, Liam has been studying his teaching qualifications with the College and now lectures on the Sport courses. In his spare time, he coaches a local football team and is planning to do his UEFA B Licence in the near future.
"As a teacher, I really love seeing our students succeed and progress onto the next level, whether that is university, an apprenticeship or full-time employment. By being exposed to a highly-qualified and experienced team like the Sport department, students can gain a range of practical skills and use them to influence whatever they enjoy doing most.
At college, students have an opportunity to develop their transferable and employability skills alongside their course too. It could be someone improving their teamwork or overcoming fears to take on a new challenge – we find that as their confidence grows in gaining more soft skills, their projects improve and they become more successful."
Staff Profile: Andy Fleet
Andy began his journey to teaching as student at Abingdon & Witney College, where he studied Level 3 Sports, achieving 3 Distinctions.
After completing his course, Andy went on to study a BA in Physical Education and Sports Coaching at the University of Chichester (UOC).
Andy was involved in various Coaching roles alongside his studies, including being Head Coach for UOC’s Men’s Handball teams. Following his BA, Andy completed his PGCE Secondary Years programme at the University of Chichester.
Andy returned to College as Sports Lecturer in 2019, and is Course Leader of our Level 3 sports course.
“My favourite part of my role is helping students on their journey to entering the Sports industry.
Seeing the group for the first time in September, being a part of how they change and adapt to become professionals is exciting, and an opportunity I feel very fortunate and proud to have.
The culture in our department is all about excellence; we expect our students to give 100% to every lesson and activity they do.
We set high expectations, and get fantastic results. In return, our staff work tirelessly to ensure students leave College with as much value added to their education as possible, and a support network that they can always rely on.
Students also learn key skills like independence, commitment, and responsibility that they take with them into employment and beyond.”
Staff Profile: George Crowley
George is former Sport student of the College, which is now one of the curriculum areas he manages. After college, he attended Manchester Metropolitan University studying Coaching and Sports Development, where he developed his professional and academic skills and broadened his understanding of teaching and sport as a tool to support society.
His diverse career background has seen him manage within business, work for Government sport organisations and professional sports clubs, and coach sport internationally. This has led to a range of skills and experiences and it has given him great pleasure to be able to pass these on to students at the College.
"For me, the best aspect of teaching is being able to help young people and change their lives. Every student that walks through our doors is different. They have their own strengths and face their own challenges. Our role as teachers is to help each student achieve their potential and take their first step in starting a career.
College is a step up from school. Students often comment on the more mature environment at college and how they enjoy being treated like an adult. Being at college helps young people develop the professional skills required to achieve, stand out and be successful within the workplace. Experienced staff and inspiring educational trips, visits and professional speakers all help support a student’s development and immerse them into the industry."
Did you know?
Faisal
Previous school:
Cheney School
I came to an open day here at the college and straight away the atmosphere was different compared to school. Here I feel I have independence, and we connect as a class too.
I've done a 12-mile walk for the Dogs Trust charity as part of my social action project; tried boxercise, rugby, football and circuits as part of enrichment, and then there're the trips to the Ardèche and Barcelona!
My plan now is to study Sports Psychology, which I'm currently doing a project on, at Portsmouth University and then turn that into a career.
Laura
Previous school:
Faringdon Community College
I'd heard really good things about college and when I first met the staff they were really nice, encouraging, and enthusiastic about the course.
Because I'm so interested in sport, it was a better option for me than staying at Sixth Form. The facilities here are excellent and we get to cover lots of different sports.
There's a lot of focus on personal growth along with what we study, as the independence is there. Liam, our current tutor, is a really nice person and wants us to do our very best, but is also laid back.
Kira
Previous school:
John Mason School
Sport was my favourite subject at school and after finding out I could get into university by studying this course, I decided to go for it.
There is a lot of practical learning with this course, such as leading activities and creating exercise programmes, and it's great being able to learn away from the classroom and being able to use the gym.
I'd say that there is definitely a lot more freedom here and that you're treated more like an adult.
Your future career
Gym/Fitness Instructor
Lifestyle Consultant
Nutritional Advisor
Outdoor Pursuits Coordinator
PE Teacher
Personal Trainer
Sport Scientist
Sport Therapist
