PE & Athletics

The physical education program provides all students with the opportunity to develop and maintain a healthy level of fitness and personal development. Through physical education, each student will acquire personal values that encourage living a full and productive lifestyle. Personal development also includes motor skills and movement patterns through games, relays, group activities, and traditional and non-traditional sports. Because classes are active by nature, physical education provides unique outcomes that will not be realized elsewhere in the Explorer West curriculum.

The program’s objectives allow each student to:

• Be introduced to a variety of sports
• Gain an understanding of and appreciation for human movement
• Develop social and intellectual skills such as cooperation and team building
• Increase their individual strength and balance
• Enhance their self image and esteem

Units included over both the first and second semesters:

• Ultimate Frisbee
• Volleyball
• Basketball
• Flag Football
• Pickleball
• Floor Hockey
• Badminton
• Tennis
• Soccer
• Track and Field

Other non-traditional games, relays, and fitness challenges are mixed in throughout each two-three week unit. All classes are planned for and held outdoors as often as possible, weather permitting.

PE & Athletics - Main program elements by grade:

6th Grade	7th Grade	8th Grade
Emphasis is on fundamental motor skills, and the enhancement of the ability to throw, catch, run, dodge, start and stop under control.	Increased focus is put on students working on group skills with the emphasis on listening, acceptance of others, presenting new ideas, taking risks, and decision-making.	Fitness is taken a step further, giving students an understanding of how to develop and maintain an adequate fitness level throughout life. Eighth graders are expected to be much more self-directing in organizing activities, choosing fair and equal teams, and officiating their own games.