Overview
The 1st4sport Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Gymnastics (QCF) is awarded by 1st4sport Qualifications and has been developed in partnership with British Gymnastics – the education arm of the sport. This qualification is not available in Scotland, although an equivalent version will be available from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).
The 1st4sport Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Gymnastics (QCF) is regulated at Level 2 on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) and forms part of British Gymnastics’ UK Coaching Certificate (UKCC) endorsed coach education programme. For further information on the regulated status of the 1st4sport Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Gymnastics (QCF), please log on to The Register of Regulated Qualifications website. For further information on the UKCC, visit www.sportscoachuk.org.
Criteria
If you are over 17 years of age and have some experience in participating in gymnastics or are able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the technicalities required when participating in gymnastics, then the 1st4sport Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Gymnastics (QCF) is designed for you. You will also need to hold:
- the 1st4sport Level 1 Award in Coaching Gymnastics qualification, or a British Gymnastics recognised equivalent
- a Cycle 6 British Gymnastics Level 1 coaching qualification and have attended the UKCC update course.
Why Study?
It forms part of a structured and progressive programme of sports coaching and other related qualifications, offering you access and involvement in introducing others to the sport of gymnastics.
What can I use it for?
- To gain paid or unpaid employment as an assistant gymnastics coach.
- As part of the development of a credible CV for employment in the sport, recreation and allied occupations industry.
- As a stepping stone to the 1st4sport Level 3 Certificate in Coaching Gymnastics (QCF) (L3CCGQ).
Outline
On successful completion of the 1st4sport Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Gymnastics (QCF), you should:
- understand the fundamentals of coaching sport
- understand the principles of planning coaching activities in sport
- understand the principles of conducting coaching activities in sport
- understand the principles of evaluating coaching activities in sport
- be able to plan a series of gymnastics coaching sessions
- be able to prepare the gymnastics coaching environment
- be able to deliver a series of gymnastics coaching sessions
- be able to monitor and evaluate gymnastics coaching sessions.
How will my learning programme be structured?
Learning programmes are usually designed by the recognised centre that delivers the qualification. They may, therefore, vary in length and format. Depending on your needs, delivery centres can offer intensive courses, or a series of learning events, over a period of weeks. Whatever the timescale, all learning programmes should include the following phases:
- an induction to the qualification and your programme of learning and assessment
- a learning programme that meets your needs, focusing on the theory and practice of coaching gymnastics
- a programme of assessment, spread throughout the course, including observations of your coaching by an appropriately qualified assessor
- a series of multiple-choice and open-response questions relating to the common core of gymnastics and discipline-specific gymnastics.
At the end of the programme, you will be provided with formal feedback on your performance and an action plan for your further development.
Assessment
The 1st4sport Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Gymnastics (QCF) assessment will require you to:
- complete a personal action plan for ongoing coaching development
- complete safety checks to ensure the suitability of the venue to be used for coaching gymnastics
- plan, deliver and evaluate a minimum of eight gymnastics coaching sessions, six of which must be linked and progressive; a minimum of two must be observed and assessed by an appropriately qualified assessor.
Fees
Recognised centres offering this qualification determine their own fees, and they will vary from centre to centre. The fees charged should entitle you to a programme of learning and assessment, registration and certification for the qualification, a 1st4sport Learner Pack and an appropriate learning resource. For further information on the costs of courses, please contact a recognised centre. Opportunities for funding may be available via a recognised centre, if you are eligible.
Next Steps
The qualification is delivered by 1st4sport recognised centres, not all of which offer open courses to members of the public. Your first port of call to access a course should be the appropriate governing body of sport:
British Gymnastics
Ford Hall
Lilleshall NSC
Newport
Shropshire TF10 9NB
Tel: 0845-129 7129
Fax: 0845-124 9089
Email: information@british-gymnastics.org
Website: www.british-gymnastics.org
