Physical Education

The core physical education program at Hanover is offered during the 9th grade year. There are also three upper-class electives, which can be taken for the whole year (1 credit) or for a semester (1/2 credit). Theses PE electives are for 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students only.

Ninth Grade Program

Grade 9

CR: 1

This course is designed to give students an in-depth introduction to adventure education, a dynamic program that emphasizes individual and group challenges, personal goal setting; and responsibility for others. The use of group initiatives, cooperative trust activities; and individual challenges will prepare the students for eventually participating on the high ropes aspect of the challenge course.

This course progressively advances students towards use of the indoor and outdoor challenge courses. Students start by developing trust and communication skills through the cooperative activities. They then move on to participating in the low challenge course activities. Following the low challenge course elements, the students are taught proper belay techniques and the use and care of all relevant climbing hardware.

During the winter months students will participate in individual and team sports activities such as badminton, volleyball, personal fitness and adaptations of sport type games. The focus continues to be on transferable life skills, such as teamwork, leadership, communication and enjoyment in life-long physical activity.

Advanced Physical Education

Grades 10, 11, 12

CR:1/2 Per Semester

Adventure Programming for a Healthier Society

(1⁄2 credit)

During the warmer weather months students are given increased responsibility and choice on the HHS Challenge Course (aka the “ropes course”). There will be ample opportunity to experience elements not used for 9th Grade PE, revisit favorites from 9th Grade PE, and there is the possibility of a field trip to High 5 Adventure Center in Brattleboro, VT, for an exceptional day of teamwork, self-challenge and fun. During the colder seasons we will work on developing a portfolio of facilitation skills and program development. Expertise from local practitioners using these skills for working in a wide variety of professional settings will guest present. If you are thinking of working at a summer camp with climbing elements, or perhaps pursuing a career in adventure education, outdoor leadership, recreation, or adventure based

counseling/therapy, this course will help build a great foundation from which to continue to learn.

Introduction to Personal Training

(1⁄2 credit)

Through hands-on experience and practice students will not only improve their own physical fitness, but will also learn about current trends in the fitness industry, how to plan and execute an effective and safe fitness régime, and will become familiar with relevant vocabulary both in regards to anatomy and physiology as well as jargon used in fitness environments. If you are thinking of a career in sports medicine, physical therapy, athletic training or as a personal trainer, this course will help you build a strong foundation.

PE9 Teacher Assistant

Grades 10, 11, 12

CR: 1/2 Per Semester

This course is available for selected 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students who are interested in assisting with the PE9 program. Students interested in taking this course must have approval of the instructor before registering for the course. Students accepted for this course will serve as an assistant instructor and will assist the physical education teacher with all aspects of the class.