PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The goal of the Harwood Union Physical Education Department is to develop in each student the desire for lifelong physical activity. This goal is achieved through the teaching of skills, strategies and techniques of various activities, while demanding self-discipline and effort in an informal setting.
Physical Education is an integral part of a student's educational experience. Developing healthy habits, being physically educated, making good decisions, and developing positive relationships are lifelong skills. Courses in the Physical Education curriculum are designed to facilitate the learning of these skills in a positive, safe environment, and to ensure that each student has the opportunity to develop confidence and a positive self-image.
Personal Fitness (812) ½ credit
This course must be completed to meet graduation requirements.
This required class is designed to help students achieve the goal of living an active healthy lifestyle. Cardiovascular training, heart rate monitoring, weight training, nutrition, personal goal setting and recreational activities will be covered in this course. Students will be assessed in their ability to design and adhere to a personal fitness plan, use of equipment, knowledge gained and social skills.
Physical Education Activities (814) ½ credit
This course is designed to introduce students to a variety of activities. Archery, badminton, tennis, table tennis, volleyball, golf, juggling, rugby, international sports, cricket, and other activities will be offered at various times of the school year. Students will be assessed by their participation, skill development, and knowledge gained during the activities.
Methods in Coaching (816) ½ credit
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior status.
This course is designed to introduce students to fundamental skills, methods and concepts relating to the field of coaching. Topics covered include adolescent development, group organization and management, coaching philosophies and teaching of skills. Students will be expected to apply their learning in school and community settings, working with young people. Students will be assessed on their involvement in school and in the community as coaches. Assessments will include written evaluations, knowledge tests, and demonstrations of techniques covered in class.
Adventure P.E. (817) ½ credit
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor required.
This course will offer students opportunities to experience physical challenges and recreational activities outside the regular school setting. Activities will be based on group interest and availability of resources but may include hiking, fly-fishing, canoeing, kayaking, snowshoeing, and camping. Day-long and weekend long trips will be used as part of the experience. Specific skills related to the activities offered will be taught. In addition, activity related conditioning, problem solving, and team building will be emphasized and implemented.
Contemporary Dance I (765) ½ credit (each semester)
May be taken for either Fine Arts or P.E. credit.
Prerequisite if taking for P.E. credit: Freshmen and Sophomores need to take Personal Fitness
This course will introduce students to a variety of dance techniques and style with emphasis on jazz dance. It will give students practical training in dance technique, experience in preparing pieces for performance, and opportunities to create basic compositions.
Contemporary Dance II (766) ½ credit (each semester)
May be taken for either Fine Arts or P.E. credit.
This course continues training begun in Contemporary Dance I. Students will explore a wider variety of dance techniques and styles, preparing more challenging pierces for performance. They will create longer, more complex compositions and do a brief presentation on a choreographer of their choice.
