An introduction to Sports Science

A Level pupils experience an immersive trip to Loughborough University 

An immersive trip to Loughborough University for A Level PE students at Loughborough High School and Loughborough Grammar School provided a wonderful insight into what studying Sports Science at university could look like. 

Having recently been accredited as a UK Sport Elite Training Centre (ETC) in recognition of their role in supporting Olympic and Paralympic athletes to achieve success, Loughborough University is an incredibly inspiring environment for our young athletes who had the chance to discover professional training facilities and hear from expert practitioners. 

The day began with the opportunity to experience campus life with a tour of the university’s outstanding sporting facilities. This included a visit to Powerbase gym where students took part in a strength and conditioning session.  

This was followed by an introduction to Physiology in the lab where students experienced what it was like to cycle in an altitude chamber where oxygen levels are artificially reduced to simulate high altitudes. They also put their cardiovascular fitness to the test in a VO2 max test, learning how these exercises are used by endurance athletes to improve performance. 

In addition to this, students received talks from both a Performance Nutritionist and a Performance Lifestyle Coach, complementing the wellbeing elements of the A Level course. Excitingly, they also enjoyed a lively Q&A with a first-team hockey player where they discovered first-hand what it is like to play performance sport alongside studying at Loughborough University. 

Two Year 12 students currently studying A Level PE, Olly and Sophie, reflected on their experience. Olly said: “On the trip, we learned how VO2 max and maximum power output are tested and what it is like to study Sports Science at Loughborough. This linked well to what we have been learning in A Level PE, especially when we looked at ergogenic aids. The talk about diet helped build on our previous knowledge and gave a really useful insight into how high-performance athletes fuel themselves before a competition. My standout moment was the gym session because it was a great experience using such an advanced facility and seeing the kind of environment that athletes train in.” 

Similarly, Sophie commented: “The trip to Loughborough University provided an exciting insight into university life, as well as opportunities to expand our learning beyond the classroom. It was exciting to have a strength and conditioning session in the gym, and the exercise science labs not only developed our understanding of A Level content but also acted as a fun challenge as we completed tests that many professional athletes undergo. Those who were brave enough to, tried the VO2 max test in which they ran to exhaustion creating an exciting and slightly competitive environment as they attempted to reach the level of peak performance (and more importantly beat each other!)  

“The classroom sessions were both engaging and educational with the opportunity for discussion around A Level topics consolidating our understanding in a more relaxed environment. Being able to experience life on a university campus on a typical weekday provided a break from school life and a valuable insight as we make decisions for our future after A Levels.” 

Enriching their A Level experience, the trip offered students both a chance to extend their learning beyond the classroom environment and discover more about life at university. It gave them insight into courses that combine sports with science, encouraging them to think further about where their A Level studies might take them.