PHYSICAL EDUCATION and HEALTH PROGRAM
The Giles School’s physical education program supports students from Pre-K through Grade 8 in developing essential physical skills and a love for exercise. Our health program helps students understand factors affecting physical and mental health, focusing on informed decision-making.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The Giles School’s physical education curriculum is important in our students' daily lives from Pre-K through Grade 8. Gross motor activities and yoga help students master basic movement skills from Pre-K to Grade 1. Swimming lessons are introduced in JK and continue through Grade 6.
Older students participate in handball, soccer, badminton, volleyball, basketball, lacrosse, swimming, and dodgeball teams, where they develop advanced motor skills and sportsmanship. Through team sports, students improve their interpersonal skills and learn to work collaboratively and cooperatively with their teammates toward a common goal.
Students can also participate in track and field, where they learn valuable individual athletic techniques. Throughout their health and physical education journey, students across all grades understand the motivating factors behind exercise and physical activity and the benefits of setting health and well-being goals.
All students wear The Giles School PE uniforms and are rewarded for developing new skills, putting in extra effort, and demonstrating positive social and emotional growth.
Our students will, in an age-appropriate manner, develop an understanding of the factors that contribute to their physical and mental health, as well as the health of others in their family and community, with a particular focus on choices and decisions connected to their personal well-being.
Students will develop the ability to make informed and healthy eating decisions, take responsibility for their own physical and emotional safety, and ensure the safety of others—both in person and online. They will learn about the hazards of tobacco, vaping, alcohol, cannabis, other drugs, and addictive behaviors. Additionally, they will develop the decision-making and communication skills needed to resist pressures to engage in harmful behaviors that could lead to injury or harm.
Because students at this age are approaching or beginning puberty, the curriculum provides an opportunity for them to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the physical, emotional, and social changes they are experiencing or are about to undergo. Topics include reproduction, self-concept, self-care, relationships, consent, sexually explicit media, stress management, and decision-making.