CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

The major goal of education is to facilitate the development of students so that they may reach their full potential as human beings. The responsibility of the physical education program, together with the health education and safety education programs, is to provide opportunities for students to achieve the skills, knowledge, and attitudes that will allow them to attain an optimal quality of life and well-being. These programs should be essential components of the overall educational process, providing knowledge-based experiences through which responsibility, decision-making, and confidence are constantly nurtured. Each program should contribute to the learning experiences that will help achieve the goals (and subgoals) of the Board of Regents for the students of New York State:

“The goals, expectations, and aspirations to be realized through the schools are the same for all. However, all children are not the same. They have different talents and abilities, interests and emotions, strengths and weaknesses. For each individual, we desire an educational system that will both stimulate and urge the full development of potential…” (New York State Board of Regents Action Plan to Improve Elementary and Secondary Education Results in New York, April, 1984, page 7)

The content of physical education involves the art and science of human movement. It must be taught within a curricular framework that focuses on the physical activities, skills, knowledge, and attitudes that will prepare students to function effectively in a changing society. The physical education program must recognize the wide range of abilities and interests of students and seek to offer choice and flexibility while maintaining optimal standards and requirements. It should be diverse enough to accommodate the differences found in the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor maturation rates of students by providing an environment in which optimal development can take place for each individual. Each student should have the opportunity to become a responsible, independent decision maker who has positive feelings of self-worth and of the worth of others. Each student should be prepared not merely to cope in society but to be a creative, contributing member who will enjoy a positive, healthy lifestyle in a safe environment.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

All students must take Physical Education while enrolled in a New York State high school. Students earn a ¼ credit each semester for a total graduation requirement of 2 credits.

Course: Weight Training

Credits: ¼ per semester

Prerequisites: None

Description:
A comprehensive understanding of serious weight training, this course will be held in the Fitness Center. Students will learn and understand how to use all equipment, including the machines, free weights, physioballs, medicine balls, BOSU balls, resistance bands, A.B.C. Ladders, and jump ropes. Students will participate in free weight exercises, isometrics, circuit training, dynamic stretching, and strength development. This class will enhance muscular strength, endurance, agility, balance, coordination, speed, and flexibility. Students will design and implement a successful personal weight training and conditioning program based on their individual goals.

Course: Racquet Sports and Ultimate Frisbee

Credits: ¼ per semester

Prerequisites: None

Description:
An introduction to the basic rules, etiquette, strokes, and strategies of singles and doubles play of various racquet sports. The racquet sports include Pickleball, Table Tennis (Ping Pong), Badminton, and Indoor Tennis. In the fall and spring, the class will focus on Ultimate Frisbee. “Ultimate” has become one of the most popular team sports across the nation. This portion of the course focuses on the etiquette and strategies of the game, and the organization and participation in game/tournament play.

Course: Yoga/Pilates

Credits: ¼ per semester

Prerequisites: None

Description:
This course is an introduction to traditional yoga focusing on the development of the body to increase flexibility and strength. Breathing practices and meditation techniques that relax and revitalize the mind and body are included. An emphasis is placed on proper breathing and alignment. Elements of Pilates, such as strengthening the “core,” will play a major role in the class as well.

Course: Team Sports

Credits: ¼ per semester

Prerequisites: None

Description:
This course consists of sports/activities that students can participate in throughout their lives. The following is a brief list of some of the activities that students will learn to play and enjoy: Croquet, Bocce, Golf, Wiffleball, Badminton, and Frisbee. Team Sports encompasses a wide range of activities including individual, team, and competitive sports. Activities also include, but are not restricted to, Indoor Soccer, Flag Football, Basketball, Softball, Ultimate Frisbee, Pillo Hockey (Polo), and Speedball.

Course: Basketball and Personal Fitness

Credits: ¼ per semester

Prerequisites: None

Description:
This course focuses on advanced basketball strategies, the study of instructional film, the breakdown of game film, new techniques, drills, and game simulations.  Students will receive related reading and writing assignments, and will participate in game and tournament play. The personal fitness portion of the class will utilize the latest findings in exercise science to strengthen and tone the entire body with a focus on functional exercises. This “cutting-edge” workout will include the use of Physioballs, Medicine balls, BOSU balls, Resistance bands, A.B.C. Ladders, and Jump ropes. This class will enhance muscular strength, endurance, agility, balance, coordination, speed, and flexibility.

Course: Tennis and Personal Fitness

Credits: ¼ per semester

Prerequisites: None

Description:
An introduction to the basic rules, etiquette, strokes, and strategies of singles and doubles play of tennis. Advanced skills and strategies introduced as appropriate.  The personal fitness portion of the class will utilize the latest findings in exercise science to strengthen and tone the entire body with a focus on functional exercises. This “cutting-edge” workout will include the use of Physioballs, Medicine balls, BOSU balls, Resistance bands, A.B.C. Ladders, and Jump ropes.  This class will enhance muscular strength, endurance, agility, balance, coordination, speed, and flexibility.