PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND MOVEMENT

Physical fitness builds self-confidence and self-esteem, laying the foundation for a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. As children progress through the grades, they grow into conscious awareness and control of their bodies. Cooperative games, movements, and other activities in the early grades make them more aware of the space around them and how their own bodies relate to that space. Cooperative games also help them develop social and recreational skills that can serve them well for the rest of their lives.

Team sports are introduced in grade four, and when they are, good sportsmanship is stressed. Grade fives, who have an improved sense of balance, spend a good portion of the year preparing to re-enact the ancient Greek Olympics. These students train for the long jump, the javelin, the discus, the long run, the Olympic wrestling event, and the 50-yard dash. Points are given for grace as well as for speed or distance. Older students are expected to show increased discipline and precision. Junior High students are challenged with ropes courses, endurance tests, and team sports that require them to defend a position.

The Independent School athletic program begins in grade seven with after-school sports including volleyball in the fall, basketball in the winter and cross country running in the spring. These teams compete with other private schools through our Junior High sports program.