PE Curriculum

Working up a sweat: Jesup’s new Physical Education curriculum

Published in the Citizen Herald Dec. 25, 2013 By Annika Wall It’s a true and tested fact. People, especially teenagers, are oftentimes scared of change. So when the physical education curriculum became different, no one, teacher or student, knew what to expect. The new Crossfit curriculum highlights not only “movements,” such as squats, pushups and kettle bell swings, but non-traditional sports. These include badminton, tennis and pickle ball. “At first I was not sure how my fellow classmates would react to it [the new program] because we were so used to playing games,” said Alissa Brown. “But the teachers incorporate games and activities so it’s all good.” Because of the new, intense program, many student athletes have seen vast improvement in ways they never knew possible. Many not only can run faster, but they are stronger also.

However, there is so much more than just the physical rewards that athletics are given credit for. Crossfit has also allowed students to push themselves past barriers their own mind has built up.

“I will be mentally strong as well as physical strong in the fourth quarter to win basketball games,” said Ethan Wyant on how Crossfit has helped him.

The new program not only benefits student athletes, however. In the child and teenage population, over one-third of them are overweight or obese.

Oftentimes being overweight takes not only a toll on one’s physical state, but mental one as well. Generally, one’s health dictates self-confidence levels, thus starting an upward or downward spiral.

“Being active, healthy and in shape gives you confidence, and that confidence allows you to experience more in your daily living,” said Josh Zuck and Tim Sauer, P.E. teachers at Jesup.

The new curriculum has been met with mixed reactions; however, it teaches students the skill and confidence they can use well into the rest of their lives. Now, the students at JHS just may be more willing to embrace any differences and changes they will come across.