Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 1
Sports Excellence Pathways
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Sports Excellence Pathways
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Physical Education Health Elective
Class: SHS 1
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 15
Grade code: 1.3.3.LI.2
Strand code: 3
Sub-strand code: 3
Content standard code: 1.3.3.CS.1
Indicator code: 1.3.3.LI.2
Theme: Academic and Career Pathways
Subtheme: Sports Excellence Pathways
This page supports the lesson note with a companion video and a short classroom-ready summary.
For class groups and homework, share this lesson page so learners also get the summary, objectives, and full lesson context.
This lesson moves beyond seeing sports as just a game or a hobby. We will explore the vast world of professional careers that support and surround our favourite athletes and teams. When we watch Kudus Mohammed score a brilliant goal or see our athletes at the Ghana Games, we often only see the person on the field. However, behind every successful athlete is a large team of dedicated professionals. Understanding these "Sports Excellence Pathways" is crucial because it opens up numerous career opportunities for learners who are passionate about sports, even if they don't become professional athletes themselves.
Introduction (5 mins) Teacher's Activity: Start with a "Talk for Learning" prompt. Ask learners: "Think about the Black Stars. Besides the 11 players on the pitch, who else is part of the team? Who helps them win?" Learner's Activity: Learners brainstorm in small groups and share their ideas (e.g., "coach," "doctor," "manager"). Teacher's Explanation: Use their answers to introduce the core concept. Explain that "Sports Excellence" is not achieved by the athlete alone. It requires a network of experts working together. A Sports Excellence Pathway refers to the various professional routes and careers available within the sports industry that contribute to achieving peak performance and managing the business of sports. Detailed Explanation of Career Pathways (30 mins)
We can categorise these pathways into several key areas.
A. Performance Pathway (The Athlete) What it is: This is the most visible pathway, involving direct participation in sports as a competitor. The Journey: It often starts from school-level competitions (Inter-Co, Super Zonals, Sprite Ball Championship, Milo Games), moves to local clubs (e.g., Ghana Premier League teams), then to national teams (Black Stars, Black Queens, Black Meteors), and potentially international professional careers. Example: Asamoah Gyan's journey started in Ghana with Liberty Professionals before he became a global star and captain of the Black Stars. His success was not just about his talent, but also the coaches, managers, and medical staff who supported him.
B. Coaching and Instruction Pathway What it is: This pathway focuses on training and developing athletes' skills, strategies, and physical fitness. Roles: Head Coach: The strategic leader of the team. Responsible for game plans, player selection, and overall team performance. *Example: Otto Addo for the Black Stars.* Strength and Conditioning Coach: Designs fitness programs to improve athletes' strength, speed, and endurance, and prevent injuries. Skills Development Coach: Focuses on specific technical skills, like a shooting coach in basketball or a goalkeeping coach in football. Requirements: Requires deep knowledge of the sport, leadership skills, and often certifications from bodies like the Ghana Football Association (GFA), the National Sports Authority (NSA), or international federations.