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Health and Physical Education at Essex High School embrace the belief that: “…intelligence and skill can only function at the peak of their capacity when the body is healthy and strong; that hardy spirits and tough minds usually inhabit sound bodies.” -John F. Kennedy
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HEALTH EDUCATION CLASS
Health
Course Number P008 .5 Health credit Grades 9-12
Students will gather, research, understand and critically analyze information to make informed healthy choices. They will acquire the skills needed to interact in positive ways with others and become contributing members of a healthy society. Students will learn to predict the consequences of their decisions recognizing that what they choose today will make a significant difference in their futures. Students will use acquired skills and information to take responsibility for their behavior as they transition from adolescence to adulthood. Students will practice and learn the following skills:
Assertive communication
Decision making
Goal setting
Research methods
Risk assessment
CPR/AED training
Content areas include alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, family and social health, growth and development, human sexuality, nutrition, personal safety, self-image and stress.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASSES
All students are required to accumulate 1.5 credits in physical education which must include “Give Me Five.” Every course is offered in both semesters. Students will not receive credit for enrolling in a course more than once. Because the foundation of each course is activity, a student must participate daily to receive PE credit. All courses include both fitness training and skill development.
GIVE ME FIVE
Course Number P220 .5 Physical Education credit Grades 9-12
This required course provides instruction in the 5 health related aspects of fitness – cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, muscular strength/muscular endurance and body composition. Students will participate in a developmentally appropriate training program designed to achieve and maintain aerobic capacity, flexibility, and muscular strength/endurance within a healthy fitness zone.
Training will include instruction and participation in a variety of activities that support fitness outcomes. This training may include cardiovascular training progressions and games, Pilates, plyometrics, yoga, and strength training using equipment such as kettlebells, dynabands, bosu balls, physioballs, medicine balls, and free weights. The academic component of the course will focus on the principles of training as they apply to these areas of fitness. Students will study the anatomy and physiology of muscle and will understand the body’s physiological response to training.
ACTIVITY IS AN ADVENTURE
Course Number P221 .5 Physical Education credit Grades 9-12
This course provides a non-traditional approach to physical education. Participants engage in experiences that focus on both intrapersonal and interpersonal development. There are four broad units of instruction: Initiatives, Team Building, Trust, and Problem Solving. Class participation enhances students’ communication skills, decision making, compassion, tolerance, leadership, trust, and collaboration.
Due to the nature of activities, students must expect and be comfortable with physical contact. The class climate encourages the development of community, creativity and risk taking in a structured environment. In addition to the four primary units of instruction students will experience a low ropes course, learn to belay and climb and also geocache.
HAVE A BALL
Course Number P223 .5 Physical Education credit Grades 9-12
This course includes instruction in a variety of traditional team sports. These may include: volleyball, basketball, soccer, football, softball, whiffleball, team handball, and rugby. This course may best be suited for students with a competitive spirit.
RIGHT ON TARGET
Course Number P222 .5 Physical Education credit Grades 9-12
This course provides instruction in a variety of target sport/partner activities. These may include such activities as archery, tennis, badminton, frisbee golf, fencing, and pickleball.
WALK THIS WAY
Course P321 .5 Physical Education credit Grades 9-12
This course provides a healthy outlet for students to obtain PE credit while taking part in low impact fitness exercise. Students will obtain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for physical fitness through participation in monitored walking and stretching led by an instructor. Students are introduced to fitness logs and activity tracking. Additional activities which support a healthy body/healthy mind will be added based on student interest. Due to the nature of the class students should expect to be outside every day, even on snowy cold days.
INDEPENDENT STUDY IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Course PIND .5 Physical Education credit Grades 11-12
While most students prefer to follow the EWSD curriculum to meet graduation requirements, Independent PE provides a flexible pathway to support individual needs and interests. Students work independently to show proficiency in National PE Standards by using their own sports/activities.
Requirements:
May not be taken second semester of the 12th grade year
May only be taken once to obtain a .5 credit of P.E.
Pass/Fail grading only
Student must be available to meet with class instructor every two weeks
Show competency in 5 different activities
CARE & PREVENTION OF ATHLETIC INJURIES
Course Number P300 .5 Elective credit Grades 11-12
This course is designed to introduce students to the care and prevention of athletic injuries. It is a comprehensive introduction to preventing, recognizing, evaluating, treating, and rehabilitating basic athletic injuries. Units of instruction will include human anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, protective taping and wrapping techniques, first aid and CPR. Students will also explore different career opportunities within athletic training and related fields. The course includes classroom and laboratory/practical instruction. Students successfully completing the course may be certified in basic first aid, CPR, and AED. They will be capable of assisting a professional certified athletic trainer and be prepared for advanced study of sports medicine.
CARE & PREVENTION - SPECIAL TOPICS IN SPORTS MEDICINE
Course Number P304 .5 Elective credit Grades 11-12
This course examines special topics pertaining to the field of athletic training and sports medicine. Topics may include nutrition, equipment utilization, varied populations in athletics and/or other advanced topics in athletic training identified by students. It can help prepare students looking to further their education in the medical field.
Students can take this course to fulfill a STEM Academy endorsement requirement.