Physical Education

Physical Education

½ year/½ credit

The scope of the curriculum for the total physical education program is very diversified. An organized activity schedule will include physical conditioning and body mechanics, endurance testing activities, gymnastics, aerobics and aerobics activities, weight training, team and individual games and sports, rhythms and dance, Project Adventure and lifetime sports.

The following three New York State standards will be linked to the physical education program: A Safe and Healthy Environment, Physical Health and Fitness, and Resource Management.

Through a selective elective process, many of the students can further explore and experience an assortment of activities. As a result of this broad physical education program, many students will want to improve their proficiency in activities of their choosing. An impressive intramural and interscholastic program is offered in all the schools.

Leadership Physical Education

(Grades 11 and 12): ½ year/½ credit

The Leadership Physical Education program is designed for juniors and seniors in the high school who have excelled in the physical education classes in grades 7-10. Students must apply for the entry into the program with permission from the chairperson of physical education and his/her guidance counselor. As a junior, students will participate in a program specifically designed to prepare for entering the gymnasium setting as a senior to be an assistant to the teacher. Juniors will actively participate in all units taught in the physical education curriculum and learn terminology, teaching cues and strategies to be prepared for the assistantship senior year.

As a senior, students will be placed into the gymnasium setting to assist an assigned teacher in the physical education department. Leaders are expected to aid the teacher in the execution of daily lessons. Physical education leaders are expected to interact with students in the classes in a positive and encouraging manner.

Fitness and Conditioning

(Grades 9-12): ½ year/½ credit

The Fitness and Conditioning course includes a variety of activities. The focus of the course is on personal fitness and strength training. Activities include training on the cardiovascular machines such as the Cybex Arc trainers, elliptical machines, treadmills and Airdyne bicycles. Strength training activities include the use of dumbbells, Olympic bars and free weights, and several strength machines including the multi-stack gym, universal gym, weight bar training, medicine ball training and kettle bell exercises. In addition to the weight and cardio training components of this course, there is an extensive stretching and yoga program.

Instructions on personal fitness and health habits, as well as instruction on human anatomy, physiology and kinesiology, are all part of this elective course.

Adaptive Physical Education

½ year/½ credit

Adaptive physical education is offered as a specifically designed program of developmental activities including games, sports and rhythms structured to the interests, needs, capabilities and limitations of pupils with disabilities (short term or long term) who may not safely or successfully engage in the activities of the general physical education program. Adaptive physical education is provided for special education students who require physical education in groups of no more than 12 students. This type of physical education program must be mandated on each student’s I.E.P. It is different from mainstream physical education because it is individually prescribed for students who need a definitive plan to address their specific needs.