Physical Education

The Lower School Physical Education (P.E.) curriculum is designed to engage students in both the physical and educational components of physical education to provide each student with the means of recognizing and maximizing their own potential. Students learn skills at age appropriate levels of ability and fitness, allowing them to perform a variety of physical activities safely and successfully. Curricular units include utilizing fitness concepts, movement themes, cooperative games, special events, and popular sports. Fitness assessments, which are conducted informally in 1st and 2nd grade and formally from Grades 3 to 5, are based on the Physical Best Assessment Program advocated by the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America). The program aspires to both teach and inspire students to take an active interest in their own health and well-being, and to realize the meaning and benefits of good health habits and a physically active lifestyle. Sports and game play are an integral part of the P.E. curriculum; the teaching and appreciation of sportsmanship and fair play is essential to the success of the program and is at the core of The Heschel School’s mission.