Physical Education

Lower School Physical Education Philosophy

The Physical Education program in the Lower School develops the confidence and competence of each boy, stressing movement education and developing fundamental skills. In the earlier grades, the movement program takes precedence. It places focus on the movement process and the student’s ability to perform a variety of movements skillfully.  As students develop an understanding of movement themes, they make connections to space, time, effort, and relationships that are critical to skill development.  Students are also introduced to sports and the skills required for each particular sport. A greater focus on teamwork and sportsmanship is stressed in the later grades. At all levels, mere winning is de-emphasized. Soccer, basketball, floor hockey, and baseball are the featured sports. In addition, other games and activities are introduced to reinforce skills taught for those sports and to add variety to the program. The Lower School program also focuses upon fitness. A warm-up portion is a part of every class, including jogging, stretching, and strength-developing exercises. The boys learn about and gain appreciation for their bodies and how fitness relates to the activities of everyday life. The President's Challenge physical fitness test is administered to boys in Grades Three and Four in the fall and again in the spring to be sure age appropriate physical development is in place. Most classes meet every day, including Fridays.

Middle School Physical Education Philosophy

The Physical Education program in the Middle School builds on the foundation developed in the Lower School. The primary purposes are to encourage all individuals to develop the skills and understanding necessary to participate in sports and to develop good sportsmanship.  The program is based on the progressive development of sport skills through a series of modified games.  Within this framework, particular sports are modified to fit the needs of individuals so all can experience success. Classes meet four days a week, and skills continue to be developed for soccer, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, floor hockey, and team handball.  Teachers emphasize the rules of the game, game strategy, and sportsmanship. In addition, conditioning and fitness, improving self esteem, and developing pride and responsibility are emphasized. All boys take The President's Challenge fitness test in the fall and spring to ensure that appropriate levels of fitness have been achieved.

The day the underclassmen beat the seniors and faculty in roof top softball. Never been done before, never been done since! Mr. Cook was not laughing!"

Kenton Morris '65

Upper School Physical Education Philosophy

The Physical Education staff promotes fitness and conditioning, stress release activities, the advancement of teamwork and strategy, the relation of mind/body concepts, the importance of lifetime sports and fitness, and an awareness of outside professional sports and activities.