Methuen High School Physical Education

The goal of the Methuen High School Physical Education Department is to implement life skills that will allow our students to be successful in school, athletics and in life. We encourage students to live an active and healthy lifestyle by familiarizing them with a variety of recreational, athletic and fitness related activities that they can enjoy throughout their life. We encourage students to enjoy being active and help them realize the enjoyment and energy that action related activities can instill in people. We intend to instill positive social skills and successful character traits through cooperative learning activities, goal setting, planning, plan implementation, team activities and healthy interaction with peers and role models in a safe and supportive environment.

In support of this mission, our physical education department’s curriculum is designed to facilitate the development and maintenance of fitness as well as to promote honesty, integrity, and good sportsmanship in a variety of cooperative and competitive situations.          

Successful completion of Physical Education is a requirement each of the four years of high school.  We offer both required courses and electives as follows:

GRADE 9 PERSONAL/ACTIVITY FITNESS- .5 Credits: is a required course for FRESHMEN: Students will learn proper fitness concepts and exercises and be educated on the value of lifelong fitness. Students will work out in Methuen High School’s new state of the art Fitness Center (with cardiovascular equipment, Nautilus machines and free weights). Students will also improve their fitness through games and activities that address the same fitness concepts.  Students will be expected to learn proper fitness techniques and exercises. They will learn the fundamentals of how to develop their own fitness plan. Students are expected to be motivated to improve their fitness level. They must honor all safety guidelines and provide a positive and safe atmosphere for all.

GRADE 10, 11 & 12 ELECTIVES:

In addition to the freshman year requirement, students are required to earn 1.5 credits of PHYSICAL EDUCATION ELECTIVES, for a total of 2.0 credits to GRADUATE.

The following courses are elective choices for sophomores, juniors and seniors.  Please note that students MAY repeat a course and still receive full credit (each class is a “unique” experience determined by the teacher, the classmates, and selection of activities. We want all MHS students to participate in a class that will best meet their interests, level of competition and personal fitness needs). All Electives include an emphasis on continued personal fitness.

PROJECT CHALLENGE: Students engaged in Project Challenge will learn the value of cooperation, communication, teamwork, and problem solving skills.  Students will also have the opportunity to physically and emotionally test themselves on the many new challenging elements in the Larry Klimas Memorial Fieldhouse. Students will gain an understanding and respect that the success of a group depends on the contribution of all of its members and that a cooperative, supporting atmosphere encourages participation and success. Students will be expected to take the opportunity to practice positive leadership skills.  Students will develop feelings of mutual acceptance, trust and respect for each other – as well as an increase in self confidence – as they experience all the opportunities and obstacles Project Challenge has to offer.  

TEAM GAMES/COMPETITIVE TEAM GAMES:  is an elective option for students who enjoy participating in traditional team sports (basketball, floor hockey, soccer, lacrosse, volleyball, team handball, speedball, softball, etc). Students will participate in a variety of team activities. Students will be educated on the skills, rules and strategies related to the specific team sport to be capable of being a participant or spectator of that specific sport. Students will be expected to demonstrate teamwork, good sportsmanship and a cooperative attitude throughout the elective.

LIFELONG/RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES: is an elective option for students interested in participating in less competitive activities that have tremendous value as lifelong pursuits (tennis, badminton, golf, inline skating, table tennis, ice skating, walking for fitness, etc). Students will participate in a variety of lifelong/recreational activities. Students will be educated on the skills, rules and strategies related to the specific recreational activities to allow them to utilize them as lifelong activities. Students will be expected to demonstrate self-responsibility, positive attitude and willingness to try new challenges throughout the elective.

PERSONAL FITNESS: is an elective option for students who are interested in learning about and improving their personal fitness. Students will train in our new state of the art Fitness Center that includes cardiovascular machines, Nautilus style weight machines, free weights, etc.  Students will design their own work out plan and participate in daily workouts to reach their fitness goals. Students will be educated on how to use and benefit from a variety of cardiovascular and strength training machines. Students will be expected to be self-motivated, demonstrate proper fitness center etiquette and bring energy and enthusiasm to their daily workout.

WINTER ACTIVITIES: is an elective option for students who are interested in exploring the many fitness related activities that Winter can provide. Students will utilize our Ice Center and athletic fields to participate in a unique set of activities that include ice skating, curling, snow shoeing, orienteering, etc. Students will be educated on the basic fundamentals of these winter activities. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the safety concepts and an appreciation of the variety of activities that can be done in the winter season.

ADVANCED PROJECT CHALLENGE:  is an elective option for students that are interested in an extension of the Project Challenge experience they had earlier grades of physical education. Students will participate in more advanced climbs and problem solving initiatives. Students will have the opportunity to challenge themselves on the new high level climbing elements in the upgraded Larry Klimas Memorial Fieldhouse. Students will utilize critical thinking skills to improve their problem solving strategies and leadership skills. Students will work constructively with others to accomplish goals in a group activity, demonstrating consideration for others involved.

DANCE,YOGA & MOVEMENT: is an elective option for students that are interested in exploring and engaging in some nontraditional fitness activities (dance, yoga, Geomotion, Zumba, aerobics, inline skating, power walking, etc.). Students will participate in a variety of activities that enhance their fitness level and engage in movements that will allow them to appreciate the variety of methods available to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Students are expected to understand the fitness benefits of these activities and bring positive energy to their elective on a daily basis. (More information on this awesome new elective!)