Health & Physical Education

The comprehensive health and physical education program at Bernards High School encourages students to take responsibility for their own lives by acting conscientiously in the present and by establishing positive health practices that will support and enhance lifelong wellness. The goal of the BHS program is to develop citizens who are both health literate and physically educated.

Physical Education (03986)

Full-Year Course; Level - Academic; Grade 9-12

Credit Value: 5.0 (Max)

Prerequisite: None

The Physical Education program provides a wide range of activities divided into three-week units. Students select those activities that address their needs or appeal to their desires. Students must complete a minimum of 8 units of individual sports, and 5 units of team sports. The Peer Leadership Program for freshmen is run through the physical education classes. Peer Leader ship's main responsibility is to facilitate the freshman orientation program, which includes the use of the BHS ropes course. This course is required for graduation for all students.

Life Skills I (03333/03448)

One-Quarter Course; Level - Academic; Grade 9-10

Credit Value: 1.25 (Max)

Prerequisite: None

The following four major areas are presented: interpersonal relationships, personal behavior, physical health, and mental/ emotional health. A few of the specific items covered under the above areas are family relationships, human sexuality, alcohol/ drugs, and suicide. This course is a Bernards High School graduation requirement for all students. New Jersey requires that all students must enroll in and satisfactorily complete this course except in cases covered by the following New Jersey Law: N.J.S.A. 18A:35-4.6-NJAC 6:29-7.1(1) "The local board of education shall establish procedures whereby any pupil whose parent or guardian presents to the school principal a signed statement that any part of the instruction in family life education is in conflict with his/her conscience, or sincerely held moral or religious beliefs, shall be excused from that portion of the course where such instruction is being given and no penalties as to credit or graduation shall result herefrom."

Life and Transition Skills 2 (03340)

Semester Course; Level - Academic; Grade 12

Credit Value: 2.5 (Max)

Prerequisite: Life Skills 1 and CST Recommendation

This program of study continues where the previous course leaves off, with a shift in focus to post-secondary transition skills, including vocational and/or educational. A more comprehensive look at coordinating aspects of adult living also will be emphasized. Once again, experiential learning will be a major component of the course, including a simulated "job search" involving writing resumes, cover letters, and participating in mock employment. This course meets the BHS graduation requirement for those students recommended by the Child Study Team.

Auto Safety (03997/03998)

One-Quarter Course; Level - Academic; Grade 10-12

Credit Value: 1.25 (Max)

Prerequisite: None

Auto Safety is required of all 10th grade students. This program provides students with the facts and attitudes that will assist them in developing into a safe driver and providing them with an awareness of the responsibilities that they will assume upon acquiring a driver's license. This course is a graduation requirement for all students and is offered in marking periods 1 and 2. Students are seated in coordination with science labs. This course may not be requested in a specific quarter. (Behind-the-wheel driver training is not offered at BHS)

First Aid (03988/03989)

One-Quarter Course; Level - Academic; Grade 11-12

Credit Value: 1.25 (Max)

Prerequisite: None

The American Red Cross Standard First Aid Course is taught by faculty members who are Certified Red Cross instructors. The course consists of at least 30 hours of the standard First Aid Theory and Skills. If the student attains a grade of B or higher, then he or she is entitled to receive the American Red Cross First Aid Certificate. This course is a graduation requirement for all students.