Physical Education
The Archdiocesan physical education curriculum standards were developed to form students who have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of healthful physical activity, and who will model Christian values and promote physical and spiritual wellness. This curriculum is aligned with the National Standards for Physical Education published by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE). The Connecticut Framework complements the national standards in terms of objectives. The performance outcomes and suggested activities, where applicable, support the standards and objectives, and integrate principles of Catholic social teachings. The rationale preceding each standard emphasizes evidence-based research and strongly supports student academic, physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness in an educational setting.
The NASPE physical education standards were developed to educate individuals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of healthful physical activity. The purpose of the national standards document is to provide the framework for a quality physical education. The NASPE Standards are as follows:
- Standard 1: Demonstrates competency in motor skills and movement patterns needed to perform a variety of physical activities.
- Standard 2: Demonstrates understanding of movement concepts, principles, strategies, and tactics as they apply to the learning and performance of physical activities.
- Standard 3: Participates regularly in physical activity.
- Standard 4: Achieves and maintains a health-enhancing level of physical fitness.
- Standard 5: Exhibits responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others in physical activity settings.
- Standard 6: Values physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, selfexpression, and/or social interaction.
Philosophy
Within Catholic doctrine and tradition, there is deep respect expressed for the human body, the temple of the Holy Spirit. Thus, it is natural that a Catholic school would engage and educate students in physical education.
Through the study of physical education, Catholic school students will come to a deeper appreciation for their bodies and knowledge of how to keep their bodies fit. Nurtured by the experiences of exercise, play, and sport, the students will engage in the process of life-long physical fitness. They will learn how to live healthy lives by acquiring life-long fitness and sports skills.
Physical Education is an integral part of the total education of the whole child in the Archdiocese of Hartford. Through the medium of sport, exercise and movement, all students will participate in a sequential, differentiated program that fosters each student’s personal health, fitness and safety. Students will gain the necessary knowledge to understand the importance physical fitness and health through an exposure to a wide variety of activities. This exposure will help each student make educated decisions concerning participation in activities that promote a healthy lifestyle, physically, mentally and spiritually.
The Archdiocese of Hartford is committed to and supports the development of a positive and appropriate values- driven education that is infused with Catholic social teachings. The Archdiocese promotes the importance of respect, responsibility, cooperation, communication, teamwork and sportsmanship within the physical education curriculum. Physical education teachers in the Archdiocese of Hartford instill and foster the dignity and sanctity of the human person within the context of the physical education class and in everyday contact with students.
The Archdiocese of Hartford views physical activity as a catalyst for learning in all content areas. The acquired values, principles and concepts associated with a quality physical education program surpass the boundaries of the gymnasium and playing field. The Archdiocese is committed to providing programming in physical education that allows frequent and diverse opportunities to engage in physical activities to support a healthy mind, body and spirit, thus educating the whole child in the pursuit of fitness for a lifetime.
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