Physical Education

Guiding Principles

Elementary physical education is designed to provide students with a strong foundation to help participate in lifelong physical activity. Developmentally appropriate motor skills and movement concepts are taught with ample opportunities for application and practice in a positive and supportive environment. There is a strong emphasis on social skills, cooperation, and sportsmanship. The elementary curriculum can be broken down into the following areas: Educational Games, Educational Gymnastics, Educational Dance, and Educational Fitness.

Physical education at the secondary level is designed to meet the individual needs of students through a variety of prescribed and selected activities. Students are introduced to essential skills and knowledge that enable them to experience a broad spectrum of physical activity for present and lifetime use. Students are given an understanding of physiological and health awareness as it relates to their bodies. The total development of a student — physically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually — is an important aspect of our physical education program. Students will also develop good sportsmanship and leadership skills.

Elementary students have one forty minute block of physical education in a six day cycle. All middle school students are required to take physical education every year. In grade 6 physical education classes meet once per cycle, and in grades 7 and 8 physical education classes meet twice per cycle.

All high school students must participate in physical education every year. In grades 9 and 10, all students are required to successfully complete a semester course in physical education and health. Juniors and seniors have a variety of options by which they may complete the physical education requirement.

Erika Shinney

K-12 Physical Education Coordinator

eshinney@hinghamschools.org