DiSE
The Diploma in Sports Excellence (DiSE) is a level 3 BTEC qualification, studied for alongside A levels or other BTEC courses.
Upon gaining the qualification, students are also awarded with UCAS points which can help enhance their university applications. The qualification is delivered in partnership with Loughborough College, who are responsible for the educational quality of the programme.
DiSE is run through a mix of practical and theory-based workshops. As part of the practical sessions, students are on court and in the gym and training to compete. Students cover 11 topics throughout their workshops: Behaviour, Culture and Values, Health and Safety, Careers, Lifestyle, Finance, Communications, Anti-Doping, Injuries, Coach Review, Mental Skills, and Nutrition.
The Coach Review, Mental Skills and Nutrition topics are run by specialists. Students get 3 1:1s with their coach, 3 121s with a sports psychologist and 3 1:1s with a nutritionist. These are tailored to their own needs, and goals. The use of specialists is an additional benefit from Volleyball England and isn’t a requirement of the qualification.
Completing this course is a way for students to enhance their personal statement for university or CV for employability. It shows that alongside being an athlete at the top of their sport, they can also complete a traditional education, with an additional qualification. It demonstrates transferable skills and life skills such as organisation, finance and lifestyle.
Studying
DiSE is delivered by Volleyball England, Loughborough College, Newcastle Staffs, Tendring and Boswells College.
Athletes that study with Volleyball England will attend workshops in school holidays, whilst those studying with an academy will have their workshops integrated into their weekly timetable.
The course is specifically designed to be taken alongside A levels or BTEC courses and can only be taken in this way. It is an individualised course and can be flexible to avoid conflict with exams and competitions.
To study on DiSE, Athletes that are part of the National Team squads may be nominated to take one of the few spaces on the programme.
Athletes can’t apply to take part in the programme; they must be nominated in order to gain a place to study.
Contact
If you would like to find out more information about the DiSE programme, please email talent@volleyballengland.org.