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Villa Maria Academy is proud to embrace the National Health Education Standards that were developed by the Joint Committee of the Association for the Advancement of Health Education; the American School Health Association; and the Society of State Directors who governs Health, Physical Education and Recreation in academic settings. The goal of this committee was to develop for schools what would be a framework for “world class” health education in this country. The Wellness model, which emphasizes the essence of balancing the mind/body/spirit triangle, has driven our curriculum to select specific performance indicators that focus on the development of both cognitive as well as personal-social skills that empower students to live healthier lives.
Villa Maria's Health and Physical Education program has an instructional curriculum that enables our students to become responsible members of their families and communities. Skills stressed in all areas of learning include problem-solving, decision-making, critical-thinking, and effective communication. Students at Villa Maria Academy will take one semester of Health education in the sophomore year as well as one semester of Physical Education. Physical Education is a graduation requirement as per the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In order for a student to earn credit, she must actively participate in P.E. classes throughout the semester.
We feel it is essential to enable students to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to promote health and overall well-being. Toward that end, we are committed to providing a framework for ongoing curriculum development, instruction, and assessment. All courses are taught for college-prep credit. Required coursework led by our Counseling department counts in fulfillment of the Health and Wellness credits.
Through our Health and Physical Education offerings at Villa Maria, we seek to graduate young women who understand that:
health and fitness are lifelong pursuits.
the acquisition of knowledge and development of life-skills are necessary in order to make informed decisions regarding their health and well-being.
there are valuable skills associated with group settings, such as teamwork, problem-solving, and communicating effectively.
the application of acquired knowledge is important and can be developed through the discussion of relevant, real-world issues and the associated consequences of their actions.
As a result of participation in our annual Counseling programming, our students will:
smoothly transition to high school academically, socially and emotionally
manage emotions and practice positive interpersonal relationship skills
identify natural God-given skill-set and investigate career application
understand the connection between school and the world of work
plan for and make a successful transition from school to post-secondary education and/or the world of work as an individual prepared to learn, live fully, serve God, and serve one another
For graduation, all students are required to accrue 0.5 credit in Health, 0.5 credit in Physical Education, and 1 credit in Wellness/Counseling.
Health (845)
Grade 10
Credit 0.5
The goal of this course is to enhance the student’s well-being by creating a culture that integrates and balances the dimensions of wellness: social/environmental, physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual. Wellness emphasizes individual responsibility for well-being by making choices that will facilitate attainment of a higher level of health and fitness. It is an active process rather than a goal. It means becoming aware, developing attitudes and engaging in behaviors to make choices that enhance quality of life and maximize physical potential. This curriculum is designed to promote self-responsibility, motivation, and excellence in learning as well as a lifelong commitment to wellness. This course will include content on decision-making, nutrition, substance use and abuse, and it will explore the HIV/AIDS and STD curriculum provided by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Students also will be provided opportunities to explore current issues in health. The goal of this curriculum is for the students to acquire the knowledge and life skills necessary to make informed decisions regarding their health and well-being. One section of this course is offered in the summer. See the Summer Study page for further details.
Dance Appreciation & Conditioning - PE (803)
Grade 10, 11, 12
Credit 0.50
This semester-long course is an introduction to dance and athletic performance through basic dance training. It will focus on understanding one’s body through conditioning to improve flexibility, endurance, and agility. It will include basic concepts in multiple styles of dance such as ballet, modern, hip hop, lyrical and Jazz. No previous dance training is required. This dance course fulfills the Physical Education requirement.
Physical Education (814)
Grade 10
Credit 0.5
Students are required to take Physical Education for one semester in their sophomore year. The program emphasizes the learning of skills, techniques, and strategies needed for the development of individual, team, and lifetime sports. Problem solving, cooperation, and team-building strategies and skills are incorporated into the program. Special attention also is given to recreational games as well as fitness for life with an emphasis on cardiovascular and strengthening activities.
Strength and Conditioning (848)
Grade 10, 11, 12
Credit 0.5
This course is designed for students with a very strong interest in improving their physical conditioning. Students will receive instruction in all aspects of fitness, including nutrition, lifting techniques and safety, and cutting edge training. Students will be exposed to a variety of training methodologies as well as how and why the body responds to training. For sophomores, this will fulfill the Physical Education requirement. Sophomores wanting the course for P.E. credit will be given preferential placement.
Dance Company - PE (797)
Grade 10
Credit 1.0
The Dance Company is an audition-based group that gives the opportunity for up to 15 dancers who have demonstrated the potential for technical and artistic growth. Each individual within the group will be working on technical strengths and performance qualities while preparing for numerous in school performance opportunities. Dance Company will be required to participate in the fall in-house Dance Convention (excused only if they have a prior dance commitment), and perform during IHM Founder's Day, and the Winter and Spring Dance Showcases. Each individual has displayed an understanding of dance concepts and has the potential to progress and therefore will be encouraged to audition for Elite and Performance Company each year if she so chooses. There is a fee of $300 for this course. Audition and teacher approval required.
Performance Company - PE (801)
Grade 10
Credit 1.0
The Performance Company is an audition-based group that gives the opportunity for up to 15 dancers who have demonstrated the potential for technical and artistic growth. Each individual within the group will be working on technical strengths and performance qualities while preparing for numerous performance opportunities. Performance Company will be required to participate in the Open House performance, IHM Founder's Day performance, the Winter and Spring Dance Showcases, Regional/National High School Dance Festival, other local performances Attendance at our fall in-house Dance Convention is also required (they will only be excused in the event of a prior dance commitment). Additional rehearsals in direct connection to these performances may be required during FLEX time. Each individual selected for this class has displayed the technical ability to progress at a quick pace and therefore will be encouraged to audition for Elite Company if she so chooses. There will be a fee of $600 for this course. Audition and teacher approval required.
Elite Company - PE (802)
Grade 10
Credit 1.0
With this select group of students the focus is on performance-based dance. The course offers the opportunity for 8-12 students who are serious about the art of dance. The group learns choreography quickly, works within an ensemble and prepares for numerous performance opportunities. Students are required to participate in the Open House Dance Performance, fall in-house Dance Convention, Fthe IHM Founder's Day performance, the Winter Dance and Spring Dance Showcases, and the Regional/National High School Dance Festival, in addition to a commitment to participate in possible festivals and extracurricular performances. Additional rehearsals in direct connection to these performances may be required during FLEX time. Additional, optional, performances may be scheduled for the academic school year. There is a fee of $600 for this course. Audition and teacher approval required.
WELLNESS & COUNSELING
Freshman Seminar (868)
Grade 9
Credit 0.25
Freshman Seminar, through the theme “Identify” assists freshman students in becoming oriented to Villa Maria and adjusted to life in high school. It addresses organizational and study skills, time management, extra-curricular involvement, community service, and college preparedness. This course also affords the freshmen an opportunity to discuss the different qualities that go into building and maintaining strong character, both as a student at Villa Maria and a woman in today’s world. The students identify possible obstacles and brainstorm solutions in an effort to make their first year one of success both academically and personally.
Freshman Seminar includes an introduction to Villa Maria’s computer resources: Google Suite, e-mail, Schoology, MobileServe (volunteer hour tracking), hardware, software, and facilities. Hands-on instruction is given on applications such as Microsoft Excel, Word and on creating visual content assignments. Credit attainment is standards-based.
Sophomore Seminar (866)
Grade 10
Credit 0.25
Sophomore Seminar is centered on the theme of “Investigate”. Students will explore, research, and reflect upon how they interact with and impact the world around them. They will identify their preferences through completion of personality inventories and have an opportunity to discuss perceptions and stereotypes. Students are introduced to the college/career search platform SCOIR where they have the opportunity to learn more about potential careers and majors that may satisfy their individual personality traits and interests. Students continue to assemble a strong resume and are encouraged to develop leadership skills in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities.
Junior College Seminar (870)
Grade 11
Credit 0.25
The Junior College Seminar focuses on the central theme, “Implement.” Students rely on developed self-awareness and incorporate that information into their college search. Students will work on developing a plan for standardized testing. Juniors in this course practice articulating their strengths and complete coursework that helps them prepare for personal statements, essays, and college admissions interviews. Students will utilize our search platform, SCOIR, to define their college search and create their college application list. Additionally, we partner with College Kickstart to begin building a balanced college list and helping students identify the values they're looking for within a college. At the end of this course, students will have key elements of the application process complete and the tools necessary to continue application progress throughout the summer and fall.
Senior College Seminar (871)
Grade 12
Credit 0.25
Students utilize the Senior College Seminar to “Imagine” their possibilities. This course serves as a college application resource period to answer any logistical questions regarding the application process. The seminar also gives senior students an overview of procedures regarding their applications throughout the year. In addition to instruction regarding required application materials and deadlines, the course also serves to support students with expectations of college and the transition from high school to college. College Kickstart plays a big part in the Senior seminar curriculum to help ensure students are identifying, and applying to, their best-fit colleges.
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