Students must successfully complete five semester courses in Physical Education and Health prior to graduation. Of the five semester-length courses required, at least three courses must be in Physical Education and at least one course must be in Health. Students may repeat a PE course for an elective credit, but a repeated course may not be used to fulfill the graduation requirement. Students may not be enrolled in more than one PE course per semester. All students in physical education classes are required to participate actively in physical fitness, conditioning, and aerobic activities on a regular basis. Students will be assessed regularly on the rules and skills of the sports being taught as well as on their level of fitness.

Students are required to take one semester-long Health and Wellness course. Students may chose to take an additional Health course to replace one Physical Education course. All Health and Wellness courses will include the following Critical Issues components: human sexuality and diseases, drug and alcohol issues, and decision making.

Aquatics

Number: 48020       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: Physical Education

In this course students will work on the development of a variety of swimming strokes, water (rescue) skills, games, and aquatic fitness; as well as how to be safe when they are in, on, or around the water. The course will cover elements in buoyancy and breathing control, water entry and exit, locomotion, turns, personal safety and rescue. A range of water activities including water polo, water basketball, snorkeling, water aerobics and synchronized swimming will also be introduced. The course will concentrate on American Red Cross Level IV (stroke development), Level V (stroke refinement), Level VI (skill proficiency) and Community Water Safety. Students will have the opportunity to receive American Red Cross certificates for each level passed.

Aquatics II, Climbing, and Kayaking

Number: 48021       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: Physical Education

Prerequisite: Aquatics I or equivalent skill demonstrated to the instructor

The swimming segment of this course is an extension of Aquatics I and is designed to help students continue to refine their swimming skills and rescue techniques, enhance their awareness of safety around water, and acquire the training needed to assist swimming instructors. The course will concentrate on Level VII (advanced skills) of the American Red Cross Learn to Swim Program, Water Safety Instructor Aide, and aquatic sports. Students will have the opportunity to receive certificates for the highest swim level passed and Water Safety Instructor Aide (WSIA). Students will participate in various aquatic sports such as snorkeling, aqua aerobics, swimming for fitness, water polo, and triathlon training. Through the climbing component of this course, students will master bouldering and wall climbing, with instruction in rappelling, belay work, various climbing holds, communication, and all safety aspects of the sport. Familiarization with knots, safety equipment, and maintenance will also be included in this semester course. The final unit is on kayaking. Students will gain the knowledge and skills for the safe handling and maneu­vering of a kayak. They will also learn how to perform basic safety skills and rescue techniques specific to kayaking/canoeing, and learn the rules, strategies, and skills necessary to play Kayak Polo.

Lifeguard Training

Number: 48023       Grade: 10-12       Length: Semester         Credit: Physical Education

Prerequisite: An aquatics course or teacher approval; must be 15 years old when the course begins and able to swim 500 meters

The purpose of the Lifeguard Training course is to teach lifeguards the skills and knowledge needed to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide care for injuries and sudden illnesses. The American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Program curriculum is used for this course. Upon successful completion students will receive the following certificates: Lifeguard Training, Standard First Aid, CPR for the Professional Rescuer, and Automated External Defibrillation Administration.

Dance I - Introduction to Dance

Number: 48002       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: PE or Performing Arts

This course is designed for any male or female who would like to use the assets of dance to improve physical fitness and to develop the confidence and ability to dance either for fun or as a performer. This course combines fitness, dance technique, and dance choreography. The class is designed to improve physical skills such as, posture, strength, flexibility, stamina, and balance, as well as introduce choreographic and improvisational techniques. Students will learn the techniques and vocabulary for various types of dance, including ballet, modern, jazz, hip hop and cultural dance styles. Students will incorporate what they have learned into creative dance choreography. Appropriate injury prevention techniques will be explored along with aspects of the anatomy and nutrition. Students will perform for each other in class and have the option to perform at the semester show.

Dance II

Number: 48003       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: PE or Performing Arts

Prerequisite: Dance I or equivalent experience

Dance II is a more advanced course designed for students who have a serious interest in dance and who wish to increase their knowledge and skills. The course continues to focus on fitness, dance choreography, various styles of dance, and body mechanics techniques, but at a more complex level. Students will be expected to master more detailed technique, will explore creative choreographic expression more deeply, and will accomplish and assimilate dance skills at a more rapid pace. Students will also be asked to provide more in depth choreography analysis and to use more complex choreographic forms in their own work. Students will perform for each other in class and have the option to perform at the semester show. Students must have ballet or jazz shoes.

Dance III

Number: 48004       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: PE or Performing Arts

Prerequisite: Dance II or equivalent experience

Dance allows students to continue their technical training in dance, while offering them more opportunities to choreograph and perform. It will also prepare students for the auditions for Dance Performance. Dance III has three major goals: 1) To continue building and strengthening the dancers’ technique in a variety of dance forms; 2) The course will also provide an opportunity for dancers to study and discuss and analyze dance history, philosophy and theory to a greater depth; 3) To allow students the opportunity to choreograph and perform class dance works for various dance performances. This class also provides an opportunity for more advanced dancers to learn the skills needed to teach creative dance classes to the community. This class could teach regular dance classes to the Primary School, Middle School, and outside social services agencies such as the Deaf School and Woodlands Children’s home.

Dance Performance

Number: 48006       Grade: 9-12         Length: Year               Credit: PE or Performing Arts

Prerequisite: Audition (and completed Dance III or equivalent)

This course is designed for the serious dancer who has had dance training and would like to experience choreographing and performing more intensely. Students will continue learning and working on dance techniques. They will also learn more about choreography, dance design and choreographic devices. They will be expected to work as a team with guidance to teach, stage and direct their own dances for the semester production. Students will be asked to critique and evaluate their own and other dancers’ choreography and performances in more depth using appropriate terminology. Students will be expected to rehearse at least three afternoons each week, increasing to daily rehearsals prior to the show. They will be expected to attend all scheduled rehearsals and participate in school performances as well as attend community performances. Some costs may be incurred for the purchase of costumes and shoes.

Field Hockey, Softball, and Golf

Number: 48015       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit Are: Physical Education

This course includes basic instruction in three areas. In field hockey, students will learn to properly handle the hockey stick and develop the skills of passing, receiving, dribbling, shooting, tackling, and goal keeping. In the softball unit, students will learn the primary skills of softball throwing, catching, running and batting. They will develop skills required to play offensive and defensive positions. Upon completion of the softball and field hockey units, students will be able to employ appropriate strategies in game situations and will demonstrate skill in playing and officiating. At the conclusion of the course, students should be able to play softball and field hockey with enjoyment and confidence. Golf makes up the final unit of the course which is designed for both beginners and experienced students. Students will develop many golf skills including hitting off a tee, driving with an iron, chipping, and putting. Course etiquette, score card understanding, safety aspects, penalties and club selection will be covered. Instruction will be augmented with sessions at a local driving range. Upon completion of the unit, students will have the skills and proficiency to play a regular round of golf.

Fitness for the Body and Mind

Number: 48024       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: Physical Education

This course is designed to teach students the process of using exercise to not only challenge the body but also to stimulate the brain by using various exercise forms such as Yoga, Pilates, Drums Alive, Qi Kung, Tai Chi  and other martial art disciplines. Students will challenge their balance, strength, flexibility, coordination and concentration through these various disciplines as well as through fusion exercises such as Iron Yoga, Yo Chi, Yoga with Stability Balls, Pilates with BOSU and TRX. The objective of this course is to seek an alternative route to stimulate cognitive development through providing physical and mental challenges, which in return, result in a stronger focus, self discipline and ultimately in increased self confidence.

Group Fitness

Number: 48001       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: Physical Education

This fitness conditioning course is offered to students interested in getting stronger and fitter through a variety of fitness related workouts.  The course is designed to encourage intense and vigorous participation. The types of group fitness workouts include the BOSU for cardiovascular endurance and balance training, strength workouts such as Body Pump, TRX and Boot camp along with circuit training, medicine ball, stability ball and ballast ball training. Students will learn exercises to increase strength, coordination, flexibility and balance through these various forms of group fitness exercises.  Students will use heart monitors to better understand how to maximize their workouts for optimal health. Nutrition, kinesiology and fitness concepts will also be covered to enhance their knowledge of fitness education.

Indoor Team Sports: Volleyball, Team Handball, Basketball, Indoor Soccer

Number: 48009       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: Physical Education

This course is designed to develop and improve ball skills, teamwork, muscular strength and endurance. Students will learn the basic skills, techniques and strategies of volleyball, basketball, team handball and indoor soccer. They will practice these skills in individual and group drill situations. When students have mastered these basic skills, regulation games will be played. Students will be tested on all pertinent theoretical aspects of each activity.

International Sports

Number: 48008       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: Physical Education

This course is designed to expose students to nontraditional sports such as the international games of netball, cricket and sepak takraw. Students will learn basic rules and related skills pertaining to these sports. Netball is mainly played in the British Commonwealth countries on a basketball-sized court that is divided into thirds; the players are restricted to their respective zones. The goal is scored into a basketball-sized hoop without a backboard. Cricket is a ball and bat game, played outdoors on the field and/or indoors, in Commonwealth countries. The batting team and the field team take their turns in playing the game. Sepak takraw is a game played mainly in Southeast Asian countries on a badminton-sized court, using a ball made of rattan cane. The skills involve the use of the head and aerial acrobatic stunts of heading and kicking the ball over the net. Students will learn the basic skills, rules and strategies of these sports, as well as participating in a variety of games, sports and physical activities representing different cultural backgrounds. They will be required to demonstrate competency and knowledge of the games and skills, and will practice officiating the different games.

Orienteering, Adventuring Training, and Climbing

Number: 48025       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: Physical Education

This course is designed to immerse students in diverse adventure pursuits. Orienteering will first teach compass navigation, way point headings, and sectional map readings. After mastery is complete, an aerobic fitness element is then initiated. Adventure training constantly challenges students in team and individual activities through games and engineering configurations. These sessions also involve lead-up pursuits and trust building activities for the wall-climbing portion of the class. Here students will master bouldering, rappelling, belay work, various climbing holds, communication, and all safety aspects. Familiarization with knots, safety equipment, and maintenance will also be included in this semester course.

Racquet Sports: Badminton, Table Tennis, Pickleball, and Tennis

Number: 48016       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: Physical Education

This course is designed to expose the students to four distinct racket activities: badminton, table tennis, pickleball (modified indoor paddle tennis), and tennis. The course will focus on stroke development, game analysis and play refinement. Students will work on improving hand-eye coordination and reaction time response. Singles and doubles play strategies will also be presented. Practicing court etiquette, officiating, scoring and participating in round robin or bracket tournaments will conclude the class activities.

Soccer, Flag Football and Rugby

Number: 48014       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit Are: Physical Education

Through this course students will become knowledgeable about the rules and regulations of soccer, flag football, and rugby and will be able to officiate games. In soccer, students will learn to perform skills at a satisfactory ability level, integrate soccer skills into a regular game situation, apply rules and strategies, and also teach skills to the other students. In the flag football unit, students will learn locomotor skills such as running (forward, backwards), shuffling sideways, handing the ball off to another player, throwing, and catching with good biomechanics. Basic offensive and defensive plays and strategies will be explored and implemented in order for the student to fully understand and enjoy the experience of participation in flag football. Students will demonstrate knowledge of, correctly follow, and apply the rules of flag football. In the final unit of this course, coeducational rugby will be taught and played. Touch rugby will be introduced during the initial period of the course. After mastering the basic skills and techniques of the game, students will be able to apply them in scrums, rucks, mauls, lineouts, and kickoffs in drills and game situations.

Track and Field: Running Events

Number: 48017       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: Physical Education

This course will concentrate on the sprints, relays, and middle distance running events. The 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1500 meter distances will be covered as well as the 4 x 100 and 4 x 400 relays. Students will complete the various training methodology for each discipline along with the relevant theory associated for the successful completion of the events.

Track and Field: Jumping/Throwing

Number: 48026       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: Physical Education

This course concentrates on the following six disciplines: high jump, long jump, triple jump, javelin, shot put, and discus. The technical aspects of each event will be taught from the fundamental stage and progress sequentially to allow students to successfully execute proper form and follow-through. Pre-training, which includes strength buildup, plyometrical simulation, and theoretical knowledge, will also be important components. By viewing training films or videotaping their own events, students will have the opportunity to examine and improve their own form. The amount of time dedicated to each discipline will vary. At the conclusion of each unit, a comprehensive skill and written assessment will be administered.

Weight Training, Conditioning, and Physical Fitness I

Number: 48018       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: Physical Education

This course is designed to meet the needs of students who demonstrate an interest in developing personal fitness skills and gaining knowledge of anatomy and physiology. The course introduces students to many aspects of physical fitness, weight training, and conditioning and their role in promoting strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular endurance, agility and flexibility. Students will apply weight training and fitness concepts through the development of their own personal fitness program. Students will learn the proper use of the Universal weight machine and free weights. Students will also become knowledgeable about various nutritional and weight control programs and will be able to analyze the effectiveness of each of the programs studied.

Weight Training, Conditioning, and Physical Fitness II

Number: 48019       Grade: 9-12         Length: Semester         Credit: Physical Education

Prerequisite: Weight Training I

This course is designed to continue the students’ knowledge and skill in the components of physical fitness: strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular endurance, agility and flexibility. The resistance training program includes: free weights, circuit training, flexibility instruction and aerobic activities. Theoretical instruction comes from a variety of sources including physiology texts, salient journals and teaching periodicals. The students’ knowledge of this theoretical base, along with practical application, form the core concepts of this offering. Students will be graded on both practice and theory.