SHS Physical Education Course Offerings

Physical Education is a required subject for all SHS students in every grade and must be passed each semester for graduation. Students in grades 9-12 are scheduled to take Level 1 ( 9 & 10th grade) and Level 2 (11 & 12th grade) physical education classes. The physical fitness levels of students are assessed and recorded each year in a pre-test and post-test format. Skill competencies, written assignments and class evaluations are incorporated into the units. Each grade level is expected to show proficiency in the activities that are important for their personal development at the appropriate stage.

Physical Education Level 1 (9109)

Meets Expectations for Student Learning: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7

Required Year Grade(s): 9 and 10 A Level Prerequisite: None

Physical Education Level 1 is a required course for 9th and 10th grade students and satisfies, in part, the physical education requirement for graduation. This course will allow students to progress through several lifetime, fitness and adventure content areas throughout the semester. This course meets for 3 days during the 7-day rotation.

Physical Education Level 2 (9110)

Meets Expectations for Student Learning: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7

Required Year Grade(s): 11 and 12 A Level Prerequisite: PE Level 1

Physical Education Level 2 is a required course for 11th and 12th grade students and satisfies, in part, the physical education requirement for graduation. This course will allow students to progress through several lifetime, fitness and adventure content areas throughout the semester. This course meets for 3 days during the 7-day rotation.

Foundations of Physical Education (9118)

Elective Semester Grade(s): 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Director’s Approval

This elective course may be taken to meet, in part, a student's minimal physical education requirement or as an additional elective course. Students under the direction of the Physical Education teaching staff, serve as peer partners in a unified physical education setting. Students have the opportunity to develop knowledge & skills that promote PE, wellness, sports & recreation activities for all abilities that can be incorporated into a physically active lifestyle. Students will gain valuable physical activity experiences while working in a diverse setting that fosters leadership & teamwork in an inclusive environment. Course meets 3 days during the 7-day rotation.

Goals for Teaching Physical Education...

Goal #1. Teach Essential Body Management Skills

The most well-known goal of any physical education class is to promote movement but there's more to this aspiration than breaking students out of a stationary lifestyle. P.E. classes teach children skills that they will use throughout their entire lives.

For many younger children, physical education classes offer their first chance to learn about the relationships between nutrition, exercise, and health, while acquiring basic body management skills such as:

The ability to stop and start on signal
Spatial awareness
Body part identification
Balance and control

Though these skills may not seem as crucial as literacy and numeracy, the absence of them can result in sedentary children who feel too “clumsy” to engage in any regular activity. After time, the inability to develop mature motor skills can cultivate sedentary adults, who struggle to achieve career goals or lack self-confidence.

Goal #2. Promoting Physical Fitness as Fun

Quality instruction from our dedicated educators helps children develop fundamental motor patterns. But it's also important for teaching students that being active can be a fun, natural habit.

The more that young students consider physical fitness a natural part of their daily schedule, the more likely they are to be engaged in fitness as they age leading to a healthier lifestyle. One in three children are overweight in America, and youngsters who enjoy physical activity are the ones most likely to be active in the future.

While physical education isn’t the only factor helping children get active, it can be a useful way to help them uncover new skills and discover activities that they enjoy. By exploring a range of sports and fitness solutions, from gymnastics to running and climbing, physical educators give students a chance to find the activity that appeals most to them giving children their own personal tool in the fight against obesity.

Goal #3. Developing Teamwork, Sportsmanship, and Cooperation

Physical education allows children to experience healthy social interactions, teaching cooperation through group activities, and encouraging teamwork through identification as one part of a team. These social skills stay with children throughout their lives, increasing the chance that they'll become involved in their communities, take leadership roles, and build lasting relationships. Social skills develop confidence, contributing to academic performance and mental health.

When students are stressed, they struggle to focus and manage their emotions properly. Physical activity is a great way to relieve stress, promoting positive mental health and enhanced learning strategies.