Health/Physical Education

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION

At Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School, Health Education and Physical Education are combined to make up our wellness curriculum.  Courses offered within the department offer students a combination of “health” concepts and related “activities” designed to build the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to participate in an active, healthy life-style.

Students will take PE and Health all 5 years while in High School. Students must successfully complete four courses grades 9th-12th of Health and Physical Education (HPE) for graduation.  Eighth, ninth, and tenth grade students will take a half-year (two terms) of a combination of health and physical education.  Juniors and seniors participate in a half-year of physical education with a choice from a variety of PE/Health electives. 

The thematic focus of the program is “Improving Personal Wellness and Fitness.”  Students are introduced to wellness concepts in the classroom and then learn to apply them through specific physical activities.

Students are required to participate in physical education wearing appropriate attire for physical activity that enhances personal health, hygiene and safety.  This apparel includes sneakers, shorts or sweatpants, T-shirt or sweatshirt, and socks.

Faculty

Mrs. Cheryl Carey - Department Chair

Ms. Amanda Carey

Ms. Mateya Donalson

Ms. Kylie Hallam

Mr. Doug Mayo

Mr. Hunter Nichols

HEALTH/PHYSICAL EDUCATION (979/978)

Grade 8

(Quarter Health & Quarter PE) 

Grade eight students take health and physical education for one term each within the school year.  Health topics covered include but are not limited to:  life skills for substance abuse prevention, reproduction/sexuality, and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.

The physical education classes provide students with the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities with an emphasis on cooperative games, individual physical activities and team sports.

HEALTH/PHYSICAL EDUCATION I (911)

Grades 9-10

(Semester) .50 credits

The thematic focus for Grades 9/10 is “Improving Personal Health and Wellness”. Combining classroom education with physical activity classes, students will acquire knowledge & self-awareness in the areas of wellness with a focus on Body Strength & Flexibility, life skills for substance use prevention, Safe Dating/Relationships, Sleep/Stress Management, and Fitness Concepts.  The classroom phase utilizes textbooks, evidence-based print and website materials, as well as group discussion. Students will also be introduced to the concept of individual wellness, encouraging them to take responsibility for their own well-being. 

The physical activity classes provide students with the opportunity to participate in a variety of team-based and individual physical activities. The students assess their current levels of cardiovascular and muscle fitness by demonstrating competency in a number of specific skills and exercises. These assessments are used to set individual goals and reflect upon self-improvements.

INTEREST ELECTIVES 

ADVANCED TEAM SPORTS/FITNESS (933)

Grades 11-12

(Semester) .50 credits

This course is designed to offer students an arena in which to participate in a more competitive atmosphere.  Students have an opportunity to show teamwork, sportsmanship, understanding of rules, and strategies.  Students participate in tournament play and are required to officiate games.  This course is also designed to have students actively participate in cardiovascular and muscle fitness activities.

Team sports may include, but are not limited to the following: Basketball, Flag Football, Floor Hockey, Handball, Soccer, Volleyball.

INTRODUCTION TO TEAM SPORTS/FITNESS (920)

Grade 8

(Quarter)

NOT OFFERED 2025-2026

This course is designed to offer students an introduction to the skills, basic rules, and strategies in a variety of team sports. In addition, students will be introduced to the areas of personal strength and conditioning by utilizing basic rules and principles in the Weight and Cardio Rooms. Through introductory exercise routines, students will be able to develop personal fitness.

Team sports may include, but are not limited to the following: Basketball, Flag Football, Floor Hockey, Handball, Soccer, Volleyball.

PRINCIPLES OF ATHLETIC TRAINING (919)

Grades 11-12

(Semester) .50 credits

Students receive an introduction to the allied health profession of athletic training, as a part of the Sports Medicine field, and its concepts which include: basic anatomy, emergent injuries and their management, athletic taping techniques, concussion management, and students will have the opportunity to become certified in CPR and AED use.  They will be able to work cooperatively in pairs or small groups to practice skills and to communicate what and why they are doing said skills.

RECREATIONAL SPORTS & FITNESS (934)

Grades 11-12

(Semester) .50 credits

This course is designed to offer students games and activities they can participate in throughout their life. This course is also designed to have students actively participate in cardiovascular and muscle fitness activities. In the recreational game/lifetime activity students may be given a choice of activity that has been determined by the instructor. In the area of personal fitness, the students are shown options of how to stay fit in activities beyond high school.  The goal of both these programs is to help the student understand and encourage a lifetime of fitness.  

Activities may include, but are not limited to the following: Fitness walking, Badminton, Basketball, Bocce, Bowling, Tennis, Volleyball.

PILATES BLEND NEW COURSE 2025-2026 (923)

Grades 11-12

(Semester) .50 credit

A Pilates Blend class is an energizing, full-body workout that integrates the core-strengthening principles of Pilates with other fitness modalities such as yoga, barre, and functional training.  Offering a well-rounded fitness experience, Pilated Bland can improve strength, flexibility, and overall fitness levels.  Pilates Blend is an ideal class for anyone looking for a blanched, low-impact, high intensity workout.  The course will include, core focus, functional movements, cardio and strength elements, flexibility and mobility and various equipment options. 

COACHING AND OFFICIATING (922)

Grades 11-12 

(Semester) .50 credit

The Coaching and Officiating course, utilizing the Ref Reps curriculum (and also encouraged by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA), offers students a comprehensive and honda-on approach to understanding the roles of coaches and officials in sports.  This course is ideal for students interested in pursuing a career in sports management, coaching, or officiating, as well as those seeking to enhance their leadership and team-building skills in a physical education context.  

Students will gain knowledge of sports rules, strategies, team dynamics, and safety protocols, while also developing effective communication and decision=making skills required for coaching and officiating roles.  Through the integration of the Ref Reps curriculum, students will gain a deeper understanding of responsibilities, ethical considerations, and techniques required to foster a positive, safe, and fair sports environment for athletes and teams.

Throughout the course, students will engage in both classroom instruction and hands-on “field activities”, where they will apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios to analyze sport-specific rules and practice officiating techniques.  The course emphasizes understanding and applying the principles of fair play, conflict resolution, and safety.  By the end of the course, students will be equipped to serve as capable coaches and referees, ensuring a safe, fair, and rewarding experience for athletes at the high school level (JV & Freshman) as well as middle and youth sports leagues.  

INTRODUCTION PERSONAL STRENGTH AND DEVELOPMENT (937)
Grades 11-12

(Semester) .50 credit

This class will focus on the fundamentals of muscle development, safety when lifting weights, understanding and use of equipment, and the development of a personal fitness plan to use beyond the semester course.

Students will learn and demonstrate proper form and technique of exercises for all muscle groups using different types of training such as:  Strength, Resistance, Interval, Yoga, CrossFit, and performance training utilizing DYRHS fitness equipment.

Students will demonstrate use of PreRehab materials such as a Bosu, Foam Roller, Yoga Mat, Kettlebell, resistance bands, medicine balls, slam balls, weighted ropes, and stability balls for core training.

ADVANCED PERSONAL STRENGTH AND DEVELOPMENT  (971)

Grades 11-12

(Semester) .50 credit

This class will focus on the hypertrophy of muscle development.  Specifically, students will train for the development of size and strength of all muscle groups. Students should have, but are not required to, a basic understanding of strength training, and have previously participated in a school or personal lifting program.

Students will be instructed on: proper technique of various resistance training techniques such as the bench press, front and back squat, deadlift, and hang clean. 

Students will receive instruction on safety precautions when lifting weights such as the use of clips, loading plates correctly, and ensuring proper spacing. 

Students will participate in weight training and strength development lifting.  Some exercises that will be included in this training include: Various styles of resistance training and athletic conditioning, this includes but is not limited to power lifting, Olympic lifting, plyometrics and agility drills.

Students will properly plan and chart a workout through the use of periodization models as well as create a personal fitness plan to personally monitor their hypertrophy of different muscle groups beyond the semester class.

EXPLORING DIMENSIONS OF HEALTH AND WELL-BEING (938)

Formerly Living Well
Grades 11-12
(Semester) .50 credit

This course is designed to offer students a more in-depth look at wellness with an opportunity to gather tools on how to live our best lives beyond the high school years.  The class will focus on current events, health topics, and activities within the scope of ‘Wellness’ that include but are not limited to: physical, emotional, and social.  Students will be trained with the option to receive certification in CPR, First AId, & AED.  Student assessment is based on daily participation in all activities, discussions, and written work. Potential topics -Physical: fitness/nature walks, yoga/stretching, nutrition.  Emotional: mental health, stress management.  Social: healthy relationships, dating safety. Students are not required to change daily but should be prepared for light movement activities.  

PHYSICAL EDUCATION LEADERS (942)

Grades 11-12

(Semester) .50 credit

Prerequisite:  Must complete the application process, receive recommendation from previous Health/PE teachers at D-Y, and receive a grade of 80 or above in all Health/PE courses.

Students interested in this elective must apply to the Health/Physical Education department and be accepted prior to being enrolled in a class.  This course is designed for students interested in developing leadership skills and/or pursuing a career related to Physical Education.  Students are expected to: 1) serve as positive role models to other students 2) follow all school rules and demonstrate good school citizenship and 3) be in class daily, on time, and dressed in proper attire.

Students enrolled will have responsibilities that include, but are not limited to, leading the class in proper warm-up and cool-down techniques, leading the class in activities, officiating games/activities, assisting students in Health class.  There will be a limit of one 11th or 12th grader with grade 8 Health/PE classes and one grade 12 leader with grades 9 and 10 Health/PE classes.