Health and Fitness Curriculum Grades 9-12
Background Information
All students at Port Angeles High School will be required to take four semesters of physical education. A one-semester course in health is required at the 9th grade level, which is one of the four semesters required. The physical education department believes that physical fitness is the major concern and goal of our program. A portion of each class period will be spent working to gain knowledge of and improve cardiovascular fitness. All elective activity classes will continue to build on this information in an effort to improve fitness, reduce stress, and develop recreational skills. A basic understanding of safety, rules and history of the sport will be required for all physical education classes.
Coursework Descriptions
Health Education, Grade 9; 1 semester
The intent of this class is to help students make independent, informed decisions concerning their physical, mental, and social well-being. Human survival information covers depression, growth and human development, nutrition and eating disorders, first aid/CPR, and non- drug, tobacco and alcohol usage.
Fitness for Life, Grades 9, 10, 11, 12; 1 semester
This semester course is required for all freshmen or sophomores as their first physical education class. Any junior or senior wanting to take Fitness for Life must have teacher permission. Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) students are exempt from Fitness for Life, if they are enrolled in that course for one year with a passing grade. This class is designed to help students accomplish three main objectives: acquire knowledge about the principles of fitness and the benefits of physical activity as it relates to health and wellness through muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, and body composition; to become physically active while pursuing goals to become physically fit; and to become an independent decision maker who can plan his or her own fitness program.
Personal Fitness, Grade 9, 10, 11, 12; 1 semester
Personal Fitness is designed for students interested in improving their fitness levels through individualized exercises and nutrition plans. Activities focus on improving health-related fitness components. Activities include, but are not limited to, circuit training, cardio machines, outdoor activities, kickboxing/TaeBo, and some team/individual sports. Prerequisite: Fitness for Life.
Individual/Team Sports, Grades 9, 10, 11, 12; 1 semester
This course incorporates a wide range of activities that students can use throughout their lives. The focus is to introduce students to a variety of individual and team sports while achieving the components of health related fitness: Muscular endurance, muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility and body composition. Examples of individual sports are tennis and badminton. Team sports may include, but not limited to, basketball, football, soccer, lacrosse, and floor hockey. Students will also participate in conditioning activities, such as weight training and circuit training. Prerequisite: Fitness for Life.
Strength and Conditioning, Grades 9, 10, 11, 12; 1 semester
Students will choose between two strength programs. One is directed toward overall, lifetime fitness. The other is the core lift program used in Athletic Strength and Conditioning classes, directed toward fitness and athletic performance. Students will lift in the weight room on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and participate in cardiovascular workouts and games outside the weight room on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Prerequisite: Fitness for Life.
Athletic Strength and Conditioning, Grades 10, 11, 12; 1 semester
Students will follow a designated strength and conditioning program designed to increase the core strength, explosiveness, and endurance of student-athletes. A heavy emphasis will be placed on the three core lifts of clean, squat, and bench. Students will lift in the weight room on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and the three core lifts will be performed each lifting day. Prerequisite: Fitness for Life.
Dance Team, Grades 10, 11, 12; 2 semesters
Students will learn several styles of dance which will include: jazz, high-kick, funk and modern. Dance team will perform during half-time activities of football and basketball games. They will also dance in several community parades and activities. Prerequisite: Fitness for Life, spring audition.
Parent Resources
- Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Resources and Links
- Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 180-50-135, Physical Education
- Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements-High School
- Port Angeles Sports and Athletics Programs
- Port Angeles School District Nutrition and Fitness Policy No. 6700
- Port Angeles School District Nutrition and Fitness Policy Procedure No. 6700P
Updated 11/14/07.