PE Program

From Pre-K through to Grade 8, The Giles School’s physical education curriculum plays a big part in our students daily lives. Basic bodily movement skills are mastered from Pre-K to Grade 1, through gross motor activities, and yoga. Swimming lessons are introduced in JK and continue up to Grade 6.

Older students get involved in our handball, soccer, badminton, volleyball, basketball, lacrosse, swimming and dodgeball teams, where they learn more advanced motor and sportsmanship skills. Through team sports, students improve their interpersonal interactions and learn to work collectively and cooperatively with their fellow teammates towards a common goal. 

Older students can also stretch out on the track and field whilst learning valuable independent, athletics sporting techniques. Throughout their health and physical education, learners across all grades come to understand the motivating factors behind exercise and physical activity. They also learn the benefits of goal-setting behaviors relating to their health and wellbeing.  

All students wear the Giles PE uniforms and are rewarded as they develop new skills, put in extra effort and demonstrate positive social and emotional learning.

Our students will - in an age-appropriate manner - develop an understanding of the factors that contribute to their physical and mental health and the health of others in their family and community, with a particular focus on choices and decisions connected to their personal health.

Our students will develop the ability to make informed and healthy eating decisions, take responsibility for their own physical and emotional safety as well as that of others, both in person and online. They learn about the hazards of tobacco, vaping, alcohol, cannabis and other drugs, and addictive behaviours and they develop the decision-making and communication skills needed to resist pressures to engage in behaviours that can lead to injury or harm.

Because students at this age are approaching or beginning puberty, the curriculum expectations provide an opportunity for students to develop the knowledge and skills that they will need to understand the physical, emotional and social changes that they are experiencing or are about to go through. Topics include reproduction, self-concept, care for self and others, relationships, consent, sexually explicit media, stress management and decision-making.

In preparation for the transitions that come with adolescence, students will build their “toolkit” of strategies for supporting mental health, including self-care strategies, avoiding stigma and an understanding of how to access additional help, if needed.