PE 7-8

A3 COURSE OVERVIEW

HUMAN PERFORMANCE SCIENCE 

Course Overview Presented by A3 Sports Performance in partnership with St. Johnʼs Lutheran School Welcome to Human Performance Science Human Performance Science introduces students to the science behind how the human body moves, adapts, and performs. Throughout the course, students will explore concepts from kinesiology, biomechanics, physiology, psychology, and related areas of human movement science. Most importantly, students will have opportunities to apply what they learn through activities, movement, and hands-on labs. 

How the Course Is Delivered 

Human Performance Science is offered through a partnership between St. Johnʼs and A3 Sports Performance. Once each week, an A3 instructor will join students during their regularly scheduled PE class for one period of specialized instruction and applied learning.  Mrs. Peyton remains the studentsʼ PE teacher and will be present and involved throughout the course. A3 provides the Human Performance Science curriculum and instruction in collaboration with St. Johnʼs. 

About A3 Sports Performance

 A3 Sports Performance is a Bakersfield-based athletic performance training facility serving athletes and individuals of all ages and abilities since 2013. Our approach is grounded in sports science, kinesiology, biomechanics, and human movement. Meet Your Instructor: Coach Anthony Alcaide Coach Anthony holds a Bachelorʼs Degree in Kinesiology and is a Certified Exercise Physiologist and Personal Trainer Certification. His experience spans fitness, athletics, physical therapy, occupational medicine, and working with individuals of varying abilities. This combination of education and real-world experience gives Anthony a unique perspective on human movement, physical performance, and the practical application of kinesiology. What Weʼll Explore Students will explore questions such as: ● How and why does the human body move? ● How does the body respond and adapt to physical activity? ● How do sleep, nutrition, recovery, and mindset affect how we feel and perform? ● How do forces and body position affect movement? ● How does the body produce strength, speed, power, and endurance? ● How can we apply what we learn to improve the way we move and perform? 

How This Course Works 

This course combines classroom learning with active, hands-on application. Students will be expected to think, respond, discuss, move, experiment, and apply what they are learning. Instruction & Active Learning Teacher-led instruction, demonstrations, questioning, discussion, and active student responding. Student Activities Individual, partner, and small-group activities designed to help students explore and apply course concepts. 

Labs & Hands-On Learning 

Students will experience human performance science in action through movement, observation, experimentation, demonstrations, partner activities, and the use of training or testing equipment. Guest professionals may also join us throughout the course. Participation requires safe and responsible behavior, including following directions, using equipment as instructed, and respecting others and the learning environment. 

Grading & Exams 

Grades will reflect participation, labs, assignments, and assessments and will be determined in collaboration with Mrs. Peyton. Students will complete a midterm in December and final in May to demonstrate their understanding and application of key course concepts.

Class Rules & Expectations 

To create a positive environment where every student can learn, participate, and grow, students are expected to follow three class rules: 1. BE RESPECTFUL Treat your classmates, teachers, equipment, and yourself with respect. 2. BE RESPONSIBLE Follow directions, stay on task, use equipment appropriately, and take ownership of your choices. 3. BE ENGAGED Participate, give your best effort, and be willing to try, even when something is challenging or new. We believe students learn best when positive behaviors are noticed and reinforced. Throughout the course, teachers will intentionally recognize effort, participation, improvement, teamwork, responsibility, and positive choices. Recognition may include verbal praise, class points, privileges, individual or group recognition, and other incentives incorporated throughout the course. If misbehavior occurs, the following steps will generally be used: 1st — Verbal Reminder The teacher will give a quick redirect or reminder. The student is expected to correct the behavior and re-engage in class. 2nd — Yellow Card: Warning If the behavior continues, a yellow card will be placed on the studentʼs desk. This is a clear warning that a change needs to happen. 3rd — Red Card: Consequence If the behavior continues, the student will receive a red card. A red card results in: ● Parent/guardian notification ● Loss of class points An in-class time out/reset may also be used at any point when a student needs a temporary break from an activity before safely and appropriately rejoining the class. Serious or unsafe behavior may be referred to Mrs. Peyton or school leadership and will be addressed according to St. Johnʼs discipline procedures.

Questions & Communication

Mrs. Peyton is the primary point of contact for this course. Parents should contact her with any questions regarding the course, including participation, grades, attendance, behavior, or other classroom matters. Contact: hpeyton@sjlschool.org, 661 6648090.  A3 is happy to answer questions, collaborate with families, or join a conversation whenever helpful. Mrs. Peyton can help connect parents with the appropriate A3 team member while remaining part of the conversation so that St. Johnʼs and A3 can work together to best support each student.