Physical Education

Department Chair: Janet McCormick

Physical education is an essential component of a curriculum that serves to educate the whole child. Physical activity improves both physical and mental health, by implementing carefully selected and diverse activities, we hope to encourage and promote healthy habits. Risk taking is encouraged in an environment that is supported by respect and positive reinforcement. Cooperative team situations provide the student with the opportunity to problem solve and feel successful through a group effort. A major goal of the physical education program is to promote an interest in physical activity that continues throughout the student’s time and school and beyond.

All students must earn six credits and must have passed a swim competency test by the end of the second trimester of their senior year. If a student fails the swim competency test, she must enroll in, and pass, the Aquatic Fitness course. Credits can be accomplished by completing six activities, which may include taking physical education classes and/or participating on interscholastic teams. Students earn one credit for the successful completion of each of these activities. Freshmen must earn at least one credit during their ninth grade year. Students are required to take fundamentals of physical education for one trimester in either the ninth or tenth grade. Learn more about athletic teams.

LOWER SCHOOL

Physical Education 3, Grade level 3

The aim in 3rd Grade Physical Education is to create in every child a love of movement, and enthusiasm for active play, and the knowledge and skills to enjoy success in a variety of physical activities and sports. Every third grader will have the opportunity to reach their full kinesthetic and motor potential through meaningful drills and activities. To foster positive social relationships they will learn to work with their classmates to accomplish team goals by demonstrating good sportsmanship and collaboration. Introducing competitive games gives the students a chance to demonstrate the skills they’ve learned and prepares them to deal with the game’s outcome in a positive way! With proper guidance, children learn to persevere with occasional setbacks that arise during game play.

Physical Education 4, Grade level 4

The aim of the fourth grade curriculum is for students to work toward mastering core physical and motor skills and combining them into purposeful and coordinated movement patterns fundamental to all sports. Throwing and catching, striking an object purposefully with force and accuracy, and kicking are specific motor skills covered. These skills become kinesthetically established as the girls learn to use offensive and defensive strategies in games that lead up to the sports played in fifth and sixth grades. Cooperation, teamwork, good sportsmanship and sustained effort are as essential as skill performance to successful athletic participation.

Physical Education 5, Grade level 5

The fifth grade physical education curriculum is designed to help students develop motor competency in a variety of sports, as well as build on their overall fitness. Skill-based instruction in a variety of sports offer many opportunities for students to engage in learning the basic skills, proper technique and beginning the fundamentals of competitive play. A sequential progression of motor skills is introduced through exploration, sport-specific drills, guided practice, and small group game play. One unique aspect of the fifth grade physical education curriculum is the concept of student choice. Throughout the year students will be given the option to choose which activities and units they would like to explore. Healthy competition is encouraged, with the emphasis on the intrinsic satisfaction derived from one’s personal growth. We celebrate success through their participation in daily activities and help them develop skills in teamwork, cooperation, leadership and fun.

Physical Education 6, Grade level 6

The aim of sixth grade Physical Education is designed for students to participate in healthy competition and skill based instruction. Skill-based instructional units will offer many opportunities for students to engage in learning the basic skills and beginning the fundamentals of competitive play through intramural competition. As a member of a team students will learn the importance of leadership, collaboration, sportsmanship, resilience and problem solving. Healthy competition is encouraged, with the emphasis on the intrinsic satisfaction derived from one’s personal growth. Students will work to develop cardiovascular endurance throughout the year.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Middle School Physical Education/Athletics

The Holton-Arms Middle School program recognizes and responds to the unique characteristics of young adolescents in its instruction, activities, expectations, and goals. In Middle School, we seek to develop and strengthen fundamental skills in a variety of activities. Coaches and students explore rather than specialize in athletic opportunities. Middle School athletics focus on teamwork and sportsmanship, healthy competition, responsibility, leadership, and building meaningful relationships.

UPPER SCHOOL

The physical education instructional curriculum places major emphasis on developing lifetime habits of cardiovascular and physical fitness. The following minor courses are open to all students in grades 9-12 and can be repeated.

Fundamentals of Physical Education, Grade level: 9-10, Prerequisite: Must have completed swim competency test, Credit: 1 per trimester – offered during the school day.

The aim of this course is to provide students with the concepts and skills that are basic to acquiring and maintaining personal fitness. This class is a first step toward a healthy lifestyle and to gain a working knowledge of and appreciation for physical activity. The students will learn how to exercise safely alone and with a partner, become proficient at using fitness and weight equipment, and learn the various types of workouts. Students will also learn the impact that exercise has on their social and emotional well-being.

Lifetime Fitness, Grade level: 9-12, Credit: 1 per trimester – offered during the school day.

In this course students will learn how to implement exercise and weight training programs that will help them develop their personal fitness. They will also be challenged to participate in and acquire knowledge of a variety of physical activities. This class gives students the opportunity to create individual goals and to maintain or improve their fitness through workouts or other fun games and activities. The main objective is to help students integrate a regular fitness routine into their lifestyle.

Aquatic Fitness, Grade level: 9-12, Credit: 1 per trimester – offered during the school day.

This swimming course provides varying aquatic based activities to meet the needs of each student in the class. In addition, the concepts and skills needed to pass the swim competency test required for graduation will be taught to those that may need it. The swim test consists of 150 yards of nonstop swimming, jumping into the deep end, surfacing and treading water for two minutes.

Strength and Conditioning, Grade level: 9-12, Credit: 1 per trimester – offered after the school day.

This course is designed to provide students with the tools needed to develop as athletes. Specialized training programs are created based on the athlete’s current abilities and goals for the future. The program has elements of strength training, cardiovascular activities, agilities, yoga, pilates, core, and flexibility. This class offers multiple choices while accommodating students’ schedules and skill levels.

Lifeguarding, Grade level: 9-12, offered outside of school for an added cost.

Interscholastic Athletic Program

Holton-Arms is a member of the Independent School League, the Washington Metropolitan Private School Swimming & Diving League, the Mid Atlantic Girls’ Hockey League (local), the Women’s Ice Hockey League of the Mid Atlantic and the Washington Metropolitan Interscholastic Rowing Association. Students who are selected to participate on one of the interscholastic sports teams as a player are granted one credit in physical education. Team managers may also receive credit by working with both their coach and the Athletic Director as they carry out needed duties and fulfill a personal workout schedule.

Dance

Physical Education credit may be received by participating in Dance classes. Please refer to the Dance and Drama to see what Dance classes are offered.

Physical Education FAQs

What is the physical education requirement for Upper School students?

Each Upper School student must complete six full credits (four activities or classes) by taking physical education classes (which includes dance classes) or participating in interscholastic teams. Two of these credits must be taken during the junior or senior year. All students must also pass a swim competency test prior to the second trimester of their senior year to graduate. Students must earn at least one credit during grade nine and are required to take fundamentals of physical education for one trimester during grade nine or ten.

What courses are offered at the Upper School level?

• Fundamentals of Physical Education I (required)

• Lifetime Fitness

• Aquatic Fitness

• Strength and Conditioning

• Lifeguarding – offered outside of school at additional cost– NO credit

• Dance - please refer to the Dance and Drama section for Dance offerings

Does Holton offer a physical education exemption for outside activities?

On occasion, special consideration is given to students intensely involved at an advanced level of physical activity not offered at Holton, and where practice and competition schedules leave very little study time. Permission and paperwork must be completed with the Athletic Director within the first week of the trimester.

What interscholastic sports are offered each season?

• Fall - Cross Country, Field Hockey, Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball

• Winter – Basketball, Swimming and Diving, Ice Hockey, Winter Track

• Spring – Crew, Lacrosse, Golf, Softball, Track and Field

What club sports are offered?

Winter Crew training, and Spring Tennis.

When do sport tryouts begin in the fall?

Monday, August 22, 2022 at 8 a.m. All fall athletes must be in attendance at preseason in order to participate.

When do practices occur?

Practices take place five days a week, typically from 3:45 - 5:45 p.m., and occasionally on Saturdays as well.

How are teams selected?

Teams are selected according to ability. Prior participation on a team still requires an individual to try-out, and one’s year in school does not determine playing status or position.

What if my daughter is involved on an outside team?

A number of our athletes participate on outside teams. Students communicate with their coaches and prioritize their Holton commitment over that of an outside team. Communication between the student and coach is essential to ensure the student-athlete has the best experience at Holton and on their outside team.

Does the Athletic Department assist students in exploring potential opportunities at the collegiate level?

Of Course! The Athletic Department offers a number of workshops throughout the year for students and parents to learn more about the college recruiting process and answer questions. The Athletic Department works closely with the College Counselors to fully support the process for our student-athletes. Holton coaches play a crucial role in assisting students throughout their recruiting journey. The athletic staff provides a Student and Parent Guide for the Student-Athlete. Individual meetings are scheduled with the Athletic Directors and coaches to assist in understanding and navigating the recruiting process.