Physical Education


Middle School Courses

The Middle School Physical Education program introduces a variety of instructional units over a three-year period. The emphasis is on participation and the development of skills.


Upper School Courses

Four years of physical education are required in the Upper School. This requirement can be satisfied by attending physical education classes, participating on Head-Royce athletic teams, participating in an acceptable option program, or a combination of the above. Students wishing to apply for the option program must meet the following criteria:

1. Be a student in grade 10, 11, or 12.
2. Have an excellent academic and physical education record.
3. Pass the swimming requirement before starting the option.
4. Participate in a program conducted by a certified instructor. This program must involve the student in physical activities that build fitness, physical skills and social interaction skills.
5. Submit an application for a P.E. option by Friday, May 27, 2011 for the following school year.
6. The last day to make changes will be Friday, September 9, 2011.

All freshmen are automatically enrolled in Physical Education which includes CPR and First Aid. They will take Health and Safety for a third of the year. (see below).

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Health Component
The intent of this class is to provide students with an overview of the most critical areas of health and provide resources and direction if further exploration is desired. The class will be structured so that some days will be spent providing and overview of a topic, while other days will be spent doing an activity or exercise to practically apply and reinforce the subject matter covered. Class discussions and debates, group work, role-playing, instructional videos and guest lecturers will supplement class lectures. Demonstration and instruction in the use of functional coping mechanisms (i.e. stress management, time management, goal planning, communication skills, decision-making) will provide individual strategies to use with personal issues.

The following topics have been chosen for this class: personality indexing, learning styles and learning differences, assertiveness training, nutrition and exercise, stress management, psychological wellness and dysfunction (eating disorders, depression, suicide), personal safety, preventing drug abuse and addiction, sexuality and reproduction, managing relationships and managing fertility. During the last few weeks of the course, prefects (Head-Royce juniors and seniors) who have been trained as peer educators, will reinforce/teach the sections on substances and sexuality. Some of these subject areas to be addressed will be determined, in part, by class input as being current and of special significance/interest.

CPR/First Aid Component
Students are given instruction from the American Red Cross First Aid and CPR courses, with the opportunity to gain Red Cross Certification in First Aid and CPR.


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Updated January 31, 2011