Academi Llandrillo: Sports Academies

Academi Llandrillo is an initiative which is aimed mainly at the sports of Football and Rugby and gives talented athletes an opportunity to fully develop their sporting potential whilst also achieving academically to the best of their abilities. It is not a compromise – students on this programme will have to commit to both sporting and academic/vocational excellence.

Generally students will have their academic/vocational courses taught in the mornings and on Thursday afternoon leaving the remaining afternoons for physical, technical, tactical and psychological development under the guidance of professional coaches and sport scientists.

What you will study

The courses whose time tables allow full access to the academy programme cover a range of levels, subjects and programme areas. They include:

• AS Levels
• A2 Levels
• Sport qualifications at Levels 1,2 and 3
• Construction and Engineering courses at Levels 1, 2 and 3
• Business Studies courses at Level 3.

A wider choice is available if students are willing to give an additional afternoon for study – this will need to be discussed with academic staff.

Progression

The programme will open up a wide range of options to you including:

• BSc Coaching & Exercise Science
• FdSc Coaching & Exercise Science
• FdA Police Studies
• Higher Education at another College or University
• Rugby Coaching
• Sports Development
• Fitness Instructor
• Teaching
• Professional Playing Career.

You will have supportive tutorials to help make your future career choices. You will have a tutor to help you with your academic studies and a tutor to help you with your progress in your sport

Entry Qualifications

You will need to check the entry requirements for the programme of study you are interested in and have an interview; you will also need to be interviewed by a sports academy member of staff.

As a guide, standard entry requirements are:

• Level 3 (Advanced) courses: 5 GCSEs with a grade C in GCSE English Language or a BTEC First Diploma at Merit.
• Level 2 courses: 3 GCSEs A*-C's
• Level 1courses:There are not normally any academic entry requirements, just a willingness to learn.

You also need:

• Satisfactory reference regarding attendance, attitude to study and potential development
• Evidence of sustained interest and motivation in the proposed area of study and sport.

You will be invited to attend a College interview to establish that the course is suitable for your career intentions.

Who the Programme is for

Students who are committed to improve and succeed in their academic studies and their chosen sport. Students will be expected to commit themselves to both these aspects of their programme of study

How you will study

Depending on your choice of course you are likely to experience a range of study methods which combine practical skills with theoretical knowledge, including lectures, practicals and tutorials. You will also develop skills that are applicable to many working environments including Communication, Application of Number and I.T.

The sport academy element will be monitored against goals which will be agreed between you and your coach in relation to the physical, tactical and technical demands of your sport and will be developed through working with a team of professional coaches

How you will be assessed

Assessment methods will differ according to your course of study.

Our progress in the Sports Academy will be assessed through fitness assessments and playing performance. Attitude and commitment will be assessed and included on your progress report

Programme Length

Two years full time. The course you choose plus the academy programme requires attendance on five days each week (an academic year lasts for 35 weeks).