Health/PE

The Health/Wellness/Physical Education program provides a variety of daily physical activities that are enjoyable and safe ways for students to learn.  It’s designed to accommodate and meet the individual differences of each student and provide a foundation for lifelong activities and fitness. Opportunities are provided for the growth and development of the whole person valuing the role of regular physical activity in the maintenance of healthy lifestyles. Most incoming freshmen will be signed up for PE 900 in the first year, with Health (902) occurring in the opposite semester.


All students must successfully earn 1.5 credits from the department, which will include a minimum of .5 credit of PE, a .5 credit of Health education, as well as .5 of a chosen Elective at Marshwood High School for graduation.  Students who have short-term medical excuses must complete make-up work to receive a Physical Education credit. Students who have a long-term medical condition that does not allow them to

participate, will be required to retake the Physical Education course at a later date.

Physical Education

0900-Physical Education  .5 credit (Required)

Grade 9 (recommended), 10, 11, 12


Students will be taught the rules, skills, and history involved with a variety of team and individualized sports and will show mastery in these areas through a variety of common assessments. Students will learn and apply a variety of fitness concepts while implementing new knowledge into a personalized fitness program document.

Health Education

0901-Health Education I .5 credit (Required) 

Grade 9 (recommended), 10, 11, 12


Health 1 is a comprehensive course designed to equip high school freshmen with the knowledge

and skills necessary for a healthy and fulfilling life. This semester-long course covers a wide

range of topics, fostering physical, mental, and social well-being. Through engaging discussions,

interactive activities, and real-world applications, students will explore key aspects of health,

empowering them to make informed decisions that positively impact their lives.


Units/Topics for exploration and discussion:

● Unit 1 Introduction to Wellness

● Unit 2 Mental Health

● Unit 3 Suicide Prevention

● Unit 4 Substance Use and Abuse

● Unit 5 Human Sexuality


0902-Health Education II .5 credit (Required) 

Grade 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Health Education I- 0901


Health 2 introduces new concepts for older students as well as revisits concepts from Health 1 in

more depth. Health 2 focuses on application of health information and skills in real life. This

semester-long course covers a wide range of topics, fostering physical, mental, and social well-

being. Through engaging discussions, interactive activities, and real-world applications, students

will explore key aspects of health, empowering them to make informed decisions that positively

impact their lives.


Units/Topics for exploration and discussion:

● Unit 1 Wellness Refresher

● Unit 2 Human Anatomy and Physiology

● Unit 3 First Aid

● Unit 4 Mental Health

● Unit 5 Suicide Prevention

● Unit 6 Decision-Making (Focus on Human Sexuality and Substance Use and Abuse)

● Unit 7 Nutrition


PE Electives 

0903-Elective Team Sports .5 credit

Grades 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Physical Education 0900


Students will be exposed to a variety of team experiences through sports. Students will improve their fitness and refine fundamental skills through game activities. Opportunities for “striving to win”, leadership responsibilities, strategic and tactical considerations, and fun in competing will be provided. Teamwork will be emphasized. 


0904-Fit For Life .5 credit

Grades 10, 11, 12 

Prerequisite: Physical Education 0900 


This course will provide students with an opportunity to experience alternative methods in lifetime fitness. It will also provide a foundation for developing a strong mind-body connection as it relates to stress reduction and overall wellness. Activities offered in class may include  pilates, yoga, plyo-ball exercises, circuit and strength training, progressive relaxation, kick-boxing, dance, self-defense, snowshoeing and pedometer motivated walking. Grading will be based on class participation, completion of a personal fitness journal and an interactive presentation on a specific method of personal interest.


0905-Strength and Endurance Training .5 credit

Grades 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Physical Education 0900 


This class is an introduction and application of strength and endurance training techniques and methods. The class will include both classroom instruction and wellness center applications. Some of the topics to be addressed include: skeletal musculature, biomechanics, spotting techniques, movement specific resistance exercises, exercise order, endurance training and periodization. The evaluation will be based on quizzes, participation, and homework.

0906-Outdoor Education, and Leadership             1 credit (meets .5 credit PE elective)

Grades 10, 11, 12        

Prerequisite: Successful completion of .5 credit in PE 0900 and .5 in Health course(s)


The Outdoor Education, and Leadership, (OEL) class is a fitness learning experience through the out-of-doors. OEL will require students to develop and maintain a solid foundation of personal health/fitness and well-being, while developing leadership qualities and the skills necessary to fully and safely engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, backpacking, camping, orienteering, and exploring. OEL students will develop an appreciation for the environment including a sense of purpose and accountability for one’s actions. The following topics will be studied: core camping skills, navigation (map and compass/GPS), risk management, equipment and its use, personal fitness, leadership styles and techniques, and wilderness survival and first aid. OEL students are required to attend at least two of three field training/assessment trips that take place outside of school time (evenings and/or weekends) throughout the school year.   OEL students who have attended at least 60% of the local, planned hikes with the fifth grade group, who are passing the course with a grade of 85 or above with a comment of 10-20, and have not had any discipline issues will be eligible to attend one of three spring trips to Pinkham Notch as a student leader and to assist Appalachian Mountain Club and AMC instructors. Personal equipment such as hiking boots, backpack, appropriate hiking apparel, sleeping bag, sleeping pad is helpful, but not necessary for participation. Minimal fees will be required for purchasing perishables (food) for trips.