To receive a high school diploma, a pupil in grades 9 – 12 must satisfactorily complete the physical education requirements as determined by the State of New York. A pupil is required to participate in physical education each of the of the four years they are in school prior to graduation (a total of two credits). Physical education is an instructional program contributing to the physical, mental, and social health/development of all students. Physical activity is critical to the maintenance of good health. The goal of Saratoga Springs Physical Education is to develop physically educated individuals who have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of physical activity.
Health and Physical Education Department Head: Kelsey Allen (ext. 33378)
All students will be enrolled in physical education during course advisement week, students entering grades 10-12 will rank the activities offered below and be placed in one of their top choices during the following school year. Students are encouraged to self-select activities that interest them and contribute to their individual development. First choice is not guaranteed since placement is based on staffing and enrollment. Students entering grade 9 are automatically enrolled into the Introduction to Physical Education course.
HEALTH EDUCATION
0670 1 Semester .5 Credit Grades 9-12
Health Education is a mandated New York State course required of all students for graduation. Health Education is designed to help students gain knowledge and skills that are necessary to remain safe and healthy throughout their lives. Students will experience skill building in communication, relationship management, decision making, planning and goal setting, stress management, advocacy, and self-management. Topics will include physical activity and nutrition, disordered eating, addiction, alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, as well as contraception and sexually transmitted diseases curriculum, which includes prevention lessons.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
0668 Full Year .5 credit Grades 9-12
To receive a high school diploma, students in grades 9 – 12 must satisfactorily complete the physical education requirements as determined by the State of New York. Students will be given an opportunity to self-select a PE course that they will participate in for the duration of the year. Choices are based on staff and enrollment, but may include adventure education, lifetime activities, strength and conditioning, and team sports. Students are encouraged to self-select activities that will contribute to their individual development.
Physical Education course offering for students in grade 9:
INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICAL EDUCATION
0655 Full Year .5 Credit Grade 9
This co-ed course is designed to expose 9th graders to a wide variety of activities that will be offered in our electives so that they can make an informed decision during grades 10-12. The focus will be on developing the fitness level and foundational movement/sport skills necessary to participate in any of the future electives. In addition, students will get comfortable in the HS gym and locker room settings and be provided opportunities to practice leadership skills and relationship building.
Activity Offerings for students entering grades 10-12:
ADVENTURE EDUCATION
0656 Full Year .5 Credit Grades 10-12
This co-ed course is a sequence of cooperative initiatives that leads to the use of our indoor high ropes challenge course, as well as orienteering skills, and outdoor pursuits. The emphasis of the activities is on community building, communication, courage, trust, respect, and responsibility. Students should be prepared to be active, whether indoors or outside. Activities may include cooperative games, the high ropes challenge course, snowshoeing, hiking, orienteering, geocaching, world games, and archery.
LIFETIME ACTIVITIES
0657 Full Year .5 Credit Grades 10-12
This co-ed course focuses on the importance of lifelong activities and the development of skills that students will be able to apply in recreational settings throughout their lives. Students will develop proficiency in skills, rules, and etiquette, and achieve a fitness level necessary for future participation in team and individual pursuits. Activities may include tennis, disc golf, golf, yoga, badminton, pickleball, volleyball, archery, bowling, fitness walking, softball, and yard games.
STRENGTH & CONDITIONING
0658 Full Year .5 Credit Grades 10-12
This co-ed course concentrates on individual fitness and health, covering strength, flexibility, and endurance. Other topics include proper lifting techniques, injury prevention, power, speed, agility, reaction time, coordination, and balance. Activities may include aerobic training, weight training and fitness analysis. Each student will be required to set goals and develop a program to help them achieve those goals.
TEAM SPORTS
0659 Full Year .5 Credit Grades 10-12
This course is designed to challenge highly motivated and active students. While participation is essential in all P.E. classes, this course puts emphasis on team play, game strategy, and the cooperative nature of team sports. Students will be exposed to the skills, rules, scoring and strategies necessary to engage in team play in a variety of sports. Students will compete in seasons while fulfilling roles such as coach, trainer, and referee. Activities may include football, soccer, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, floor hockey, handball, basketball, and diamond sports.
UNIFIED PHYSICAL EDUCATION
0667 Full Year .5 Credit Grades 10-12
Unified Physical Education provides a unique opportunity for students with and without disabilities to come together through ongoing developmentally appropriate educational and physical activities. This course is structured around state and national physical education standards and grade level outcomes, which include gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain a health-enhancing level of fitness. Additionally, the class supports the development of leadership skills for all students, and the empowerment of all students to help create a more inclusive and accepting school environment for all students. Students who are current members of the Best Buddies or Unified Sports are encouraged to take this course.
ADAPTIVE PHYSICAL EDUCATION
0666 Full Year .5 Credit Grades 9–12
Adaptive physical education is a specially designed program of developmental activities, games and sports suited to the interests, capabilities, and limitations of students with disabilities who may not safely or successfully engage in unrestricted participation in the activities of the regular physical education program. Students identified by an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team as demonstrating significant difficulties in meeting age-appropriate curricular benchmarks based on a disability are provided the necessary supplementary aids and support services in the least restrictive environment. Instruction, equipment, activity rules, and the environmental set up are modified as necessary to provide an appropriate, safe, and comfortable educational setting comparable to that provided for students without disabilities. Adaptive PE will increase the competence, health-related fitness, self-responsibility, and enjoyment of physical activity for all students so they can establish physical activity as a natural part of their life and to enable them to become lifelong movers.