Gym Class at Mass Academy

Much like the rest of Mass Academy, our gym classes are far from ordinary. Since the grade is so small, there are only two gym classes. 

Each term, each of the gym classes alternates between two activities. In A Term, the activities were Zumba and a traditional gym class, both taught by teachers from WPI. 

However, even the traditional gym class was a little unusual. Classes were held at the football field at WPI, far from the average high school gym setting. Additionally, the objects used in gym were often from past FIRST Robotics Competition games, such as the frisbee from the 2013 game Ultimate Ascent. 

“It's interesting that we used the 2021 game pieces [from Infinite Recharge] in dodgeball. It shows how connected WPI is to FRC,” said junior Joshua Schnee, a robotics participant. 

In B term, the traditional gym class remained, but Zumba was replaced with self-defense. Because Mass Academy seniors spend the majority of their year on a college campus, Mass Academy administration wanted to ensure that they would remain safe.

Self defense classes continued through the end of C term. However, instead of the traditional gym class, students had the opportunity to engage in yoga. Especially during the weeks leading up to the science fair, students appreciated the chance to relax and focus on mindfulness for a little bit. 

By the start of D term, the self-defense class was completed. In addition to focusing on physical health, Mass Academy emphasized mental health this term and provided students with a study. On the alternating weeks, students participate in kickboxing which has been described as the combination of Zumba and self-defense – the perfect way to wrap up a year of fun gym classes.

Students enjoyed the wide variety of activities they participate in throughout the year. 

“I enjoyed all of the different gym classes we’ve done,” said junior Shuling Lin. “Each of the instructors are very different but they all suit their class and made the activities really fun.”

Overall, each student has a different opinion on which gym activity was best, but the consensus seems to be the traditional gym class, with over 60% of the votes.