Diploma in Sporting Excellence

The Diploma in Sporting Excellence programme 2024-2026 is part of the GBR Pathway Programme.

DiSE Expression of Interest Forms for 2024 are available on the links below:-

DiSE expression of interest form

DiSE expression of interest form: MS Word
DiSE expression of interest form: pdf

Information

British Fencing is committed to providing fencers with opportunities to improve performance and develop as individuals in a cost effective way.  In 2018 the British Fencing AASE programme became the Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE).  We have worked with South Gloucestershire and Stroud College (SGS) to offer you the chance of being part of this programme.

All 16-18 year olds who have completed their GCSE year and are ranked in the top 40 (for their age on any national ranking list) are eligible to apply for this British Fencing programme.  Priority will be given to fencers who are already part of the Athlete Development Programme and places are limited.

What is the Diploma in Sporting Excellence?

It is a Level 3 qualification designed for fencers who have the realistic potential to achieve excellence and are seeking to perform at the highest level.  The programme will cover all areas of training, will help you to develop as an athlete and fencer, and gain a UCAS-recognised qualification on completion.

The Diploma is notionally a 2-year programme for fencers aged 16-18 on the 1st September 2024. They must be studying other academic qualifications at a school or college of further education. Fencers must have completed their GSCE level qualifications and cannot combine this with University education or other Level 4 qualification. So normally fencers will start at the beginning of year 12.

The Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) is part of the British Fencing Athlete Development Programme (ADP). There are currently 55 fencers enrolled.

Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) Tariff

These qualifications are on the UCAS Tariff. Fencers who successfully complete the Diploma in Sporting Excellence will get the following qualification):-

1st4sport Level 3 Diploma in Sporting Excellence

On the UCAS tariff calculator, this diploma is worth 64 points towards University application.

Programme Information

The DiSE programme reflects the broad range of skills, knowledge and performance required by elite level sports people.  It is designed to measure the athlete’s ability to plan, apply and evaluate their development in the technical, tactical, physical and mental aspects of their sport.  It also addresses wider issues such as lifestyle, career development, communication, nutrition, and health and safety.

The DiSE programme currently runs in the following other sports: Athletics, Basketball, Boxing, Equestrian, Golf, Handball, Hockey, Judo, Modern Pentathlon, Motor Sports, Netball, Rowing, Tennis, Volleyball, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Wheelchair Basketball. There are 1550 places available on the programme.

DiSE is designed to directly measure the athlete’s ability to apply themselves to “professional” development, covering:

• Technical Skills
• Tactical Awareness
• Physical Capabilities
• Mental Skills
• Lifestyle Organisation
• Career Planning
• Communication and Working with Others
• Health & Safety
• Nutrition

These nine areas of focus directly contribute towards achievement of the certificates in the DiSE Framework.

British Fencing Programme

The programme is run as part of the Athlete Development Programme.  The majority of the programme will be delivered through 20-25 contact days at weekends or in school holidays so fencers are able to stay at their school or college. There will also be online delivery and assessment.

The programme will begin in August 2024 and run as an 18-month programme, finishing in February 2025.

• Available to fencers resident in England only, we cannot accept applicants who do not have an address in England.
• Fencers must be enrolled on a state-funded educational programme (there are some exceptions to this, for those on scholarships, please contact us for more information).
• Fencers must be aged 16, 17, or 18 on the 1st September in the academic year (for September 2024 intake born between 2/9/2005 & 1/9/2008).
• Fencers should have completed their GCSE year before starting.
• Applicants must be in the top 40 in Britain at their age group (or be of at least that standard).
• Fencers will need to commit to attending training days and ADP activities (approx. 20-25 days a year), to maintain a portfolio of their learning and training activity, and to complete the course.

What do I need to do to register my interest?

Complete the expression of interest form on the link above and here

For any questions please contact Neil Brown, [email protected]

Please do this as soon as possible but at least by the beginning of August.  We will provide you with further information once you have registered your interest. Completing the form does not commit you to start the programme at this stage.

If you feel that this programme is something you may be interested in do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.

Return to the GBR Pathway Programme Zone