Sport and Active Leisure Project
This project element builds foundational research and employability skills by having learners investigate a specific theme within sport and active leisure, collaborate to present findings, and reflect on their personal skill development, preparing them for future academic or vocational progression.
Assessment criteria
Topic Overview
The ProQual Level 1 Award in Skills Towards Enabling Progression (Step-UP) in Foundations for Learning is a vocationally-related qualification designed to help you build essential skills for further study, employment, or independent living. This award focuses on developing core competencies such as communication, numeracy, digital literacy, and personal development, which are fundamental for success in any learning or work environment. By completing this qualification, you will gain confidence in applying these skills in real-world contexts, preparing you for the next step in your educational or career journey.
This qualification is part of the Step-UP suite, which aims to bridge the gap between school and further education or employment. It is particularly valuable for students who may need additional support to transition into higher-level qualifications or apprenticeships. The Foundations for Learning component covers key areas like understanding your own learning style, setting goals, and working effectively with others. These skills are not only assessed but also practiced through practical activities, making the learning experience engaging and directly applicable to your future.
Mastering these foundations is crucial because they underpin all other learning. Whether you plan to progress to a Level 2 qualification, start an apprenticeship, or enter the workforce, the skills you develop here will help you communicate clearly, solve problems logically, and manage your time effectively. Employers and educators value these transferable skills, and this award provides a solid starting point for lifelong learning and personal growth.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Communication skills: Understanding how to listen actively, speak clearly, and write for different purposes, such as filling in forms or writing short reports.
- →Numeracy for everyday life: Applying basic maths to real-world situations like budgeting, measuring, and interpreting data from charts or tables.
- →Digital literacy: Using computers and software safely to find information, create documents, and communicate online, including understanding e-safety.
- →Personal development: Identifying your strengths and areas for improvement, setting SMART goals, and reflecting on your progress to become a more independent learner.
- →Working with others: Collaborating in group tasks, respecting different viewpoints, and contributing effectively to team activities.
Learning Objectives
What you need to know and understand
- Research a chosen topic within sport and active leisure using appropriate sources
- Collaborate effectively with peers to plan and deliver a presentation
- Reflect on personal research and teamwork skills, identifying strengths and areas for improvement
- Select and summarise relevant information from given sources
- Contribute to the planning and organisation of a group presentation
Assessment Criteria
Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio
- Evidence of using two or more distinct sources to gather information
- Demonstration of active listening and equitable contribution during group work
- Written or verbal self-evaluation that identifies at least one skill developed and one specific target for improvement
- Clear and logical structure in the group presentation, with all members participating
- Accurate and relevant content that addresses the chosen aspect of sport and active leisure
Assessment Guidance
Guidance for achieving higher grades
- 💡Choose a sport or leisure topic that genuinely interests you to maintain motivation throughout the project
- 💡Practice the presentation multiple times as a team to ensure smooth transitions and timing
- 💡Use the self-assessment criteria as an ongoing checklist while working on the project to track your development
- 💡Keep a simple log or diary during the research phase to record your sources and reflections easily
- 💡Tip 1: For communication tasks, always check your spelling and grammar. Use simple, clear sentences and make sure your writing answers the question directly. Practise writing short paragraphs about everyday topics to build confidence.
- 💡Tip 2: In numeracy assessments, show all your working out, even if you can do it in your head. This helps you avoid mistakes and allows the examiner to see your thought process, which can earn you marks even if the final answer is wrong.
- 💡Tip 3: For personal development units, keep a learning journal. Note down what you did, what went well, and what you could improve. This will help you write reflective statements that are specific and detailed, which is what examiners look for.
Common Mistakes
Common errors to avoid in your coursework
- Relying on a single source without cross-verification of facts
- Allowing one team member to dominate the presentation while others disengage
- Self-assessment that is too vague, e.g., 'I did well' without concrete examples or evidence
- Presenting information that is too general and not focused on the specific chosen aspect
- Poor time management during research, leading to incomplete preparation
- Misconception: 'This qualification is just for people who can't do academic work.' Correction: This award is for anyone who wants to build practical skills in a supportive environment. It is a recognised qualification that can lead to further study or employment, and it focuses on real-world applications that benefit all learners.
- Misconception: 'I don't need to learn digital skills because I already use my phone.' Correction: Using a phone is different from using a computer for tasks like word processing, spreadsheets, or online research. This qualification teaches you how to use technology productively and safely, which is essential for most jobs and further education.
- Misconception: 'Setting goals is just writing down what I want.' Correction: Effective goal setting involves making them SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). This qualification teaches you how to break down big goals into manageable steps and track your progress, which is a key skill for success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions students ask about this topic
Pass / Merit / Distinction Evidence Checklist
How your portfolio evidence is graded for PROQUAL AWARDING BODY Sport and Active Leisure Project
Every vocational unit is marked against named criteria rather than an exam percentage. Your tutor's brief lists the exact codes for this unit — here is what each band is asking you to do.
Demonstrate baseline knowledge, accurate terminology, and core practical application.
Provide detailed analysis, structured explanations, and clear workplace reasoning.
Deliver thorough evaluation, original problem solving, and fully justified recommendations.
Before You Start
Prior knowledge that will help with this topic
- •There are no formal prerequisites for this qualification, but it is helpful to have basic literacy and numeracy skills at Entry Level 3 or above. If you are unsure, your tutor can assess your starting point.
- •A willingness to participate in group activities and complete short tasks independently will also help you succeed.
Coursework AI Review
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Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
- Investigating leisure opportunities
- Team-based presentation skills
- Self-assessment of research abilities
- Sports industry awareness
- Employability skill development
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