Middle School
In the Middle School Physical Education program, a strong emphasis is placed on participation, as activity exposure and motor skills vary greatly in our international student body. Students are exposed to a variety of sporting games and other physical education components. The activities serve to promote the following: team work and cooperation, motor skill development, physical fitness, knowledge of rules and strategies of game play and an appreciation of the importance of exercise for a healthy lifestyle. Aerobic fitness is emphasized strongly throughout the program, along with the importance of lifetime sports and fitness. At this impressionable stage in the students’ lives, the program will provide opportunities for them to be able to grow and interact socially and learn personal and group responsibilities, as well as practice good sportsmanship and cooperation. These are character-forming qualities which, if developed at this young stage, will ensure well-rounded growth for the individual.
The Middle School Physical Education program provides students with a variety of activities, ranging from non-competitive games to individual and team sports. Students participate in swimming, basic water safety and survival skills, gymnastics and track and field and are taught the skills necessary for the further development to participate in volleyball, soccer, softball and basketball at a higher level. Emphasis on individualized learning helps students develop their skills at their own pace. By taking frequent fitness tests, students can monitor and maintain a level of physical fitness according to their individual needs.
Middle One and Middle Two
In Middle One and Two, students continue to play a variety of modified games and are introduced to a variety of exploratory activities such as golf and martial arts, which are continued throughout the rest of the Middle school. The exploratory course allows students to participate in a wider variety of recreational and international games. Students are further encouraged to improve their motor skills, learn to cooperate with their peers, experience and be able to monitor health-related fitness measurements, improve their health habits while having a positive experience in physical education. The emphasis of the program is based on participation in many different lifelong team and individual activities including soccer, basketball, volleyball, athletics (track & field), racquet sports (tennis, badminton), softball, gymnastics, fitness training, dance, movement and other new and fun activities. Students have their first aquatic unit in Middle One where they work on their water confidence and stroke techniques.
Middle Three and Middle Four
The Middle Three and Middle Four grades continue their program of study in the same main sports and activities as Middle One and Middle Two. Students further their participation in a range of exploratory sports from around the world. Throughout the course, students learn and apply new and more advanced skills, strategies and techniques in each sport, such as water survival and basic lifesaving techniques in the swimming unit. Although skill development is continually emphasized, learning spatial awareness and team concepts is stressed. Students are expected to demonstrate sportsmanship and leadership qualities both on and off the athletic arena. Personal responsibility to one’s fitness program and goal setting is emphasized so students can begin to develop the skills for lifelong fitness. By the end of Middle Four, students should have more advanced skills, strategies and techniques in each sport in preparation for their High School PE program.