Chichester College uses Active IQ health and fitness qualification to support PDBW (Personal Development, Behaviour & Welfare)

Chichester College is successfully delivering the Active IQ Entry Level Award in the Principles of Health & Fitness to its students to support some of Ofsted’s criteria for Personal Development, Behaviour and Welfare (PDBW).

Rob Giles, Head of Department for Sport & Public Services at Chichester College, is familiar with Active IQ whose courses he has offered for many years within his department.  When he was tasked by his senior leadership team to find a course or qualification that students could complete to support the OFSTED criteria for PDBW, he sought the advice of James Clack, Active IQ Business Development Manager.

“I have worked with Active IQ for several years and value James’ advice and guidance,” says Rob.  “Up to this point my interaction with James was primarily for our Active IQ Level 2 and Level 3 Fitness Trainers.  When I was asked to look for options to improve the appreciation and understanding of health and fitness across our entire student cohort, I didn’t hesitate to ask James’ advice.  The Entry Level Award in the Principles of Health & Fitness includes the vast majority of topics we wish our students to cover and, in turn, our students are gaining a far better awareness of the right food choices, the importance of exercise and how their decisions can affect their health and wellbeing.  The course is very accessible for our students who have easily incorporated the online learning format alongside their curriculum studies.”

Rob initially ran the Award for 185 students in a pilot project.  The students took to the concept very quickly and the Award is being introduced to other curriculum areas in the College from January 2017.

“Rob has been innovative with our Award and produced his own online course for the qualification for the College to host on its ‘Moodle’ intranet,” says James Clack.  “The students can access the study materials and learn in their own time on this safe and trusted learning platform.”  The Entry Level Award is in two parts. The first takes about 10 hours and is based on theory.  The second takes 15-20 hours and is based around physical activity.  Students chart their progress in their workbook and can ask for help at any time.  Rob admits that some students take to it more easily than others.  “Those students doing dance, drama, sports science and PE have an advantage as they are physically active, already engaged in the concept of health and fitness and have prior knowledge,” he says. “Students on courses like bricklaying and engineering are starting with the health and fitness basics but they quickly get to grips with it and recognise the knowledge and practical activity are relevant to them personally.”

“I’m delighted to hear how readily the Award has been accepted by the students and staff and wish Chichester College continued success in helping their students enjoy healthier lifestyles,” says James.  “Health and fitness studies shouldn’t be confined only to students who are seeking to work in this area: an individual’s wellbeing and health are of paramount importance for their life, whatever job they choose to do.  Schools and colleges have a duty of care in terms of the wellbeing and welfare of their students over and above their academic performance.  Ofsted recognises this and I’m pleased to see that our Award can help colleges meet its criteria.”

“The Active IQ qualification is clear and measurable so we can see exactly how our students are progressing. We have an average 99% pass rate which is a stat I’m more than happy to share!” continues Rob.  “Taking on the Active IQ Award gives us the opportunity to address Health, Fitness and Lifestyle as part of our overall PDBW strategy in an engaging and pro-active way, and I’d certainly recommend other colleges look at it.”