f a c u l t y n e w s I ANew PE Curriculum for the Upper School

In a dramatic demonstration o f the impact that improved facilities can have on the educational experience, Upper School PE and Health Department Chair Ellen Iverson explains the transformative effect that the newly renovated Upper School Weight Room has had on a new PE curriculum.

Simply put, the new fitness center has changed the way that we are teaching physical education in the Upper School. A new course introduced this fall, Fitness Fundamentals, is a fitness curriculum that allows students to build a foundation for a fitness-conscious lifestyle. The goal is to help students to understand the relationship between physical fitness and a healthy body. The curriculum teaches the scientific principles of exercise to help students learn about how the body responds and changes during and after exercising.

Next fall we will introduce a second level course in the curriculum, Personal Fitness. This class is designed to allow students to further develop a personal fitness regimen that supports individual goals. Initial physical testing and challenges for each component of fitness will provide a base level fitness profile in order to help students identify strengths and weaknesses. Core strength development, aerobic conditioning and aspects of body composition will be focus areas within a student’s exercise plan. Students will record test results, set goals, track progress, and submit periodic journal entries about their programs. One of the exciting aspects of September’s 1:1 Learning Initiative is that students will be able to utilize special software that will assist them in monitoring their goals and progress. Additionally, the course will include weight room management techniques for safe and efficient use of the equipment.

Students have been energized both by the new space with its fantastic array of fitness equipment and by the new curriculum that has real relevance to their daily life and future well being.

review spring 2010