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The Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Outdoor Adventure isn’t just a qualification, it’s a two-year adventure in learning, skill-building, and leadership. At Rockley, the course is made up of carefully selected units that combine hands-on outdoor experiences with classroom learning. Each unit is designed to make the most of our location, resources, and expert teaching team, ensuring students gain real-world experience while building the knowledge, confidence, and skills to succeed.
A Course Tailored for You
While the diploma offers around 25–30 possible optional units, Rockley selects about 15 that best match our environment, teaching expertise, and student needs. This makes every unit relevant, engaging, and practical, giving students experiences they can apply immediately in the outdoors and beyond. We put together a programme of those 15 plus the three compulsory units.
Students complete around nine units per year, totalling 18 units over the two years. Each unit is structured around four learning outcomes, with assessments that combine practical tasks, written work, and presentations.
Core Units Everyone Completes
Some units are mandatory, providing the foundation for both practical skills and academic success:
Adventure, Leadership, and Specialist Units
Beyond the core, students dive into units that bring the outdoors to life:
Every unit has a strong practical element, so students don’t just learn about leadership and teamwork, they practise it every day.
Supporting Different Ways of Learning
At Rockley, we know every student learns differently. Some excel in hands-on activities, others in written work or presentations. That’s why our units are flexible and inclusive, combining practical adventure with classroom learning. Students can develop their strengths, build confidence, and thrive no matter how they learn best.
RESUB – Feedback That Helps You Grow
A key part of our approach is the RESUB process. For every unit, students:
1. Submit their assignment
2. Receive detailed, personalised feedback
3. Make improvements based on that feedback
4. Resubmit for a higher grade
This system not only helps students achieve their best marks, it also teaches valuable life skills. Students learn to take criticism positively, apply changes effectively, and reflect on their own performance. RESUB turns every challenge into an opportunity for growth.
A Diploma That Prepares You for the Real World
By combining outdoor adventure, academic learning, and ongoing feedback, the Level 3 Extended Diploma gives students the chance to find their own path to success. Whether the goal is university, a career in the outdoor sector, or progressing to instructor qualifications, each unit equips students with the knowledge, practical skills, and resilience they need to thrive.
At Rockley, no two learners are the same, and our units are designed to meet every student where they are, helping them reach their full potential in their own way.