Physical Education Course Syllabus 6th Grade
Instructor: Ms. Carwitz
Email: Kcarwitz@areteprepacademy.org
Course Overview & Objectives
Room: Gym
At Great Hearts, we seek to cultivate within our students a love for that which is true, good, and beautiful. This pursuit of the transcendental naturally extends to the proper care and use of the physical body. A
holistic approach to education addresses all elements of the human person: the intellectual, the emotional, and the physical. Through physical education, students have the opportunity to put virtue into practice while learning more about the inner-workings of the human body. Just as we train students’ minds and hearts through authentic engagement in content, we recognize the vital importance of training their bodies. Students improve their creative thinking skills, build on their understanding of the human anatomy, and increase their physical, mental, and social acuity through traditional and non- traditional sport activities. They will experience failure and success throughout the year as they participate in competitive play and work to set and meet personal goals in physical activity. These experiences allow them to develop the tools needed to navigate the mean between the vicious extremes of doubt and arrogance. Such tools are vital to human flourishing.
In Grade 6 PE, students build upon the work done in previous years by participating in fitness routines, skill practice, and healthy competitive play. Additionally, students at this level are ready for more autonomy in navigating the social dynamics of competitive play. By allowing students to test their negotiation and conflict management skills, we provide them the opportunity to explore the boundaries of social interactions while in a safe environment. This social give and take is a vital part of building healthy interdependence with others. Because of the nature of the course, it is vital for students to spend the first few class periods reviewing classroom routines and expectations which allow for smooth transitions and a focused, purposeful lesson. The particular sports activities (whether traditional or non-traditional) are vehicles for developing within students greater life skills to promote overall physical and emotional health.
Course Materials
Water Bottle
Course Expectations, Assignments, & Assessments
Behavioral Expectations: “The philosophy of the Academy is that students are young adults in the making who will learn civil, polite, and respectful conduct by the example of their teachers...Several very obvious signs of such respect are a student's willingness to refrain from talking in class when others have the floor; a respect for the property of the school and of other students; [and] a willingness to refrain from sarcastic or critical comments towards others. In conjunction with parents/guardians, the Academy has the goal of developing not only habits of good scholarship and critical inquiry, but the character traits of courtesy, promptness, forgiveness, self-control, responsibility, diligence, courage, generosity, and magnanimity.” (Family Handbook, p. 41)
Class Etiquette (Please & Thank you!)
● When the class period bell rings, students are to be in their squads, ready to start class.
● Students are expected to actively engage in class discussions.
● Refrain from disruptive behaviors, and no cell phones or other distracting items are permitted in class. These items will be confiscated.
● Honesty is expected at all times. Cheating will not be tolerated under any circumstances and any corresponding work that resulted from cheating will result in a zero grade and the deans will be notified.
● Treat yourself, your teachers, your peers, and our spaces with respect and dignity at all times. Harassment, intimidation and bullying will not be accepted under any circumstances.
● You will be assigned a daily, weekly, quarterly or semester grade. This reflects your classroom attitude, cooperation, and participation. Please be aware that your actions will be reflected in your quarter and semester grade.
● All issues, concerns, problems, or situations will be dealt with in accordance with the school policy.
Course Grading
● Participation (100%)
○ Students are expected to be active and participate in class discussions and classroom activities.
To get full credit students will ask and answer questions in class, actively participate in class activities, provide meaningful contribution to small group discussions and be on task.