NATIONAL SPORT ACADEMY

ACADEMIC SKILLS CENTRE NEWS:

 

Archived Academic News...

---

ABOUT:

National Sport Academy student athletes attend regular academic classes at one of the three National Sport Academy school locations. The National Sport Academy coaches understand the often overwhelming demands placed on young student athletes as they try to balance their passion for participating in sports, at a competitive level, with the academic requirements placed on them during and after school hours. Academics are considered to be a top priority at the National Sport Academy and teachers and coaches work collaboratively with the student athletes encouraging them to take responsibility for managing time, completing assignments, preparing for exams and negotiating flexible deadlines with their teachers.

---

FAST FACTS :

Proven Results:

• Average mark for National Sport Academy High School student athletes is 81%
• Over the course of three years, high school athletes have the ability to earn 31 credits for successful participation in the National Sport Academy PhysEd, Coaching & Leadership and C.A.L.M.
• Access to learning support at the National Sport Academy Academic Skills Centre including tutoring, study skills, organization and distance learning courses.
• Coaching character and preparing young student athletes for the path ahead with SAT, ACT, SAT II preparation and marketing tools for Canadian and American post secondary schools.
• Numerous academic scholarships are awarded annually to National Sport Academy student athletes (Valedictorian, Math awards, Science awards, Leadership awards, English awards)
• Over 40% of all National Sport Academy alumni have received University/College athletic and academic scholarships to NCAA and CIS institutions.
• In 2004-2005 alone, 17 NCAA and CIS scholarships were awarded to National Sport Academy student athletes.

---

CURRICULUM:

ACADEMICS:

The National Sport Academy promotes excellence in sports and academics. Excellence in sports and academics is achieved through consistent effort, learning outside of the comfort zone and accessing coaching support. For many, coaching is synonymous with sports; at the National Sport Academy, coaching is integral to sports and academics . National Sport Academy sport and academic coaches understand the complexity of the demands placed on young student athletes as they try to balance their passion for playing at a competitive level with today's academic demands. A primary role of National Sport Academy coaches is to support National Sport Academy student athletes in pursuit of their academic goals.

National Sport Academy academic coaches work closely with student athletes to help them understand their individual learning style thus developing the strategies and fostering the confidence required to meet with success in any learning situation, in any location. As most National Sport Academy student athletes are striving to continue in their sport and academics after grade 12, it is imperative they learn how to function successfully and effectively in any learning environment. Student athletes who pursue a college or university degree do not get to choose their class size; therefore it is essential to provide each student athlete with the necessary skills and learning habits to succeed at the postsecondary level.

While there are many ways to teach learning skills and habits, the National Sport Academy Coaching and Leadership curriculum has been specifically designed and delivered to meet the needs of competitive student athletes in pursuit of their academic, athletic and life goals. National Sport Academy student athletes are highly motivated learners with a passion for peak performance in sport and in school. Transferring this interest into the daily lives of students requires a dynamic curriculum that encompasses a variety of interesting and relevant topics including:

• Time Management Strategies
• Organizational Techniques
• Goal Setting & Rewards
• Communication Skills
• Presentation Skills
• Leadership & Initiative
• Teambuilding
• The Road to Success
• Try-Out Camp Preparation
• Sport Destinations
• Academic-Athletic Opportunities
• Resumes
• Player Marketing
• Managing Distractions
• Ethics
• Failing Forward
• Nutrition

The following is a list of character traits the NSA strives to develop in our young athletes in all areas of the NSA curriculum (both on and off the ice). Through support of our players in a variety of day-to-day situations, the National Sport Academy coaches have many opportunities to build and reinforce the following positive character traits:

1. Mental Toughness - National Sport Academy athletes are taught that a tough spot is often an opportunity to develop mental toughness. Athletes learn that winning is not the only criterion for success; it is by trying new and challenging things that one gets mentally tougher. A young athlete's performance often improves as he/she readjusts focus from fear of failing to a willingness to try to develop mental toughness and forget the past failures.
2. Having Fun - The ability to enjoy challenges and take pleasure in both struggles and successes. Win or lose, National Sport Academy athletes are encouraged to enjoy the journey.
3. Winning and Losing with Class - National Sport Academy athletes enjoy the battles of competition - they love to compete. But win or lose, National Sport Academy athletes are taught how to do both with class and respect for their opponent: fear no opponent, but respect every opponent.
4. Courage - National Sport Academy athletes are often put in stressful everyday situations with a team coach, player, or playing in an intense game where fear becomes the primary focus. Often National Sport Academy athletes are placed in situations outside the National Sport Academy environment where it is very difficult to do what is right or necessary and they are often afraid. The National Sport Academy environment and coaching staff act as the stabalizing force for their fears; the National Sport Academy provides the one place where athletes feel safe to make mistakes, take risks and tackle their fears. Athletes learn how to engage in conflict resolution where the issues are clearly defined and they learn to communicate with confidence.
5. Setting and Commitment to Goals - All National Sport Academy athletes are guided through goal setting exercises at various times throughout the year. Goals are revisited, analyzed and readjusted as progress is made.
6. Leadership - National Sport Academy athletes are placed in many situations, through their academics and sport involvement, where leadership skills are required. It has been our experience that, as athletes learn leadership skills at the National Sport Academy they become confident, articulate leaders who exhibit honesty, integrity, justice and personal ethics. National Sport Academy athletes are often chosen for leadership roles on their teams.