Professional Development Awards in Physical Activity and Health
We have developed six Professional Development Awards (PDAs) which have been introduced across NextGen: HNC and HND qualifications in Physical Activity & Health. This structure was introduced following the recommendations from the Withers report and independent review of SQA, and it maps to the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) standards, offering more flexibility for learners.
Learners must complete two mandatory PDAs alongside one optional PDA when undertaking the NextGen: HND. Learners will have the option to return to education and complete the remaining optional PDAs if they wish to further align with additional CIMSPA standards.
We are offering the following PDAs in NextGen: HND in Physical Activity & Health:
Mandatory PDAs:
- GV2948 - PDA in Personal Trainer
- GV2448 - PDA in Management of Long-Term Health Conditions for Exercise Practitioners
Optional PDAs:
- GV2648 - PDA in Sport and Physical Activity for Children
- GV2548 - PDA in Physical Activity for Antenatal and Postnatal Clients
- GV2748 - PDA in Strength and Conditioning Trainer
- GV2848 - PDA in Working Inclusively with Participants with Disabilities
Learners would choose one optional PDA.
The optional PDA in Strength and Condititioning Trainer (GV2748) includes both a Level 7 and Level 8 unit. The Level 7 unit can be taken during the NextGen: HNC or selected alongside the Level 8 unit during the NextGen: HND. The flexible design allows learners to meet the specific requirements of their professional development at their own pace.
This change offers a more focused and industry-relevant pathway for learners, allowing them to gradually build on their qualifications and meet the demands of the physical activity and health sector. This marks a significant advancement in how qualifications are structured to meet both learner and employer needs.