PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The physical education curriculum offers a combination of required and elective activities to all students. Students are required to participate in three semesters of physical education, for which .5 credit is earned per semester. The curriculum includes fitness, adventure, community safety, first aid, and activity classes. Students receive a numerical grade which is weighted into the G .P .A. This grade is based on preparation, attitude and attendance.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION Credit: .5 per semester
Grades 9-12 Prerequisite: None
Course topics include:
MUSCULAR FITNESS:
The course is offered in either ninth or tenth grade. Students learn the principles of weight training, machines and free weights and circuit training. Pre and post assessment allows students to chart their progress. Students complete the course by designing a personal strength program.
ADVENTURE:
The course is offered in either ninth or tenth grade. The course is designed to develop teamwork, cooperative skills, trust and responsibility for one another. Students perform problem solving initiatives both in the gym and on the adventure course. Students are challenged to take risks and to learn the value of working together to achieve a goal.
CARDIOVASCULAR FITNESS:
The course is offered in either ninth or tenth grade. The course is designed to teach students the value of cardiovascular endurance as a means of conditioning one physically as well as for disease prevention. Students perform cardiovascular exercise on equipment and in circuits. Students complete the course by designing a personal program for attainment and maintenance of cardiovascular fitness.
COMMUNITY SAFETY AND FIRST AID:
The course is offered to all students. Students receive certification upon successful completion of the class.
ACTIVITY CLASSES:
Activity classes are scheduled throughout the semester. The activities offered can include: team games such as basketball or floor hockey, volleyball, cooperative games and individual sports such as: tennis, golf and archery. The activities vary from semester to semester and from year to year. The choices are based on student interests and overall value as a leisure time pursuit.
Alternative Physical Education Credits: .5
Grades 11 and 12 Prerequisite: This course is designed to address scheduling conflicts – limited space.
This course is designed as a semester course that is available to juniors and seniors. It is designed for students who have a full schedule and are not able to fulfill the PE requirement in a regular school day. Students will participate in five full-day Physical Education activities that involve lifelong activities. Students will participate in these activities on half days during the semester. Attendance is mandatory for all days, in order to fulfill the requirement. Examples of activities include the Albany rock climbing wall, hiking Mt. Greylock, kayaking on Stockbridge bowl, a day at Berkshire South, etc. Students are only allowed to take Alternative PE once in order to fulfill the PE credit.
People and Their Environment .5 credit
Grades 11 and 12 Physical Education or General Elective
Prerequisite: Successful Application
This class educates students about the natural world, basic first aid, and backcountry survival skills. It seeks to create connections between students and their environments. There is a one, three and five day hike as part of the course so students need to have solid time management skills and realize there is a nine day commitment when all other parts of their bus lives are put on hold. This course also focuses on team building, building leadership and communication skills, and there are a number of physical challenges during the semester. There is an application process to get into the course. See Mr. Powell in the Guidance Office for more details.