Physical Education

The philosophy of the Physical Education Department is to educate the student on the importance of lifetime fitness and wellness. Our program places an emphasis on the physical, mental, and social-emotional development of each student by establishing a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where the student can flourish. Geffen Academy students will develop an expanded interest in lifetime physical activities and sport by learning essential health and fitness knowledge, gross motor learning and control, positive self-image/self-talk, and leadership and interpersonal skills through activities that foster cooperation, team building, and sportsmanship. The Physical Education Department strives to develop each student’s physical literacy by learning essential knowledge, skills, and habits (growth mindset, grit, curiosity, etc.) in order to become adaptable learners and persistent inquirers in health and wellness for students’ lifespans.

Requirements:

Middle School: PE is required throughout grades 6-8.
Upper School: Required to complete 3 semesters of Physical Education and/or Athletics and 1 semester of Emergency Preparedness. See table below:

Upper School PE Requirements	# of PE Courses*	Emergency Preparedness	PE Credit Equivalent	Grade-Specific Recommendation
Class of 2023 and beyond	3 terms	1 term	The Athlete Conditioning Class plus participation in the full season of team competition = 1 term of PE credit	- 9th grade students are required to complete one year of PE and/or enroll in the Athlete Conditioning class and compete in at least 1 season of sport on a Geffen Academy Athletic team. -10th grade students are strongly encouraged to complete 1 semester of Emergency Preparedness and 1 semester of PE (choice of Water Safety as equivalent)

*All 9th grade students will be placed into Physical Education for the year, unless they are taking the Athlete Conditioning class and participating in a Geffen Academy team sport.

PE 6

The 6th Grade curriculum focuses on foundational movement skills, fitness concepts, and cooperative learning. The curriculum helps students develop an understanding of and apply fundamental health concepts, locomotor/manipulative skills, and effective communication/collaboration through various games and activities. Students develop competency in movement skills via individual, dual, and team activities, with instruction emphasizing proper technique, safety, spatial awareness, rules and basic strategies. Students focus on goal setting and the connection between physical activity and health. Emphasis is placed on responsible behavior, teamwork, and respectful communication in all settings, including traditional and non-traditional sports, leadership training, trust building and goal setting.
PE 7

The 7th Grade curriculum builds upon foundational skills and introduces increased technical proficiency and tactical awareness. Students refine locomotor and manipulative skills and apply movement concepts such as force, balance, timing and spatial awareness in invasion games, net/wall games, striking/fielding activities, fitness training and other recreational activities. Students apply basic offensive and defensive strategies in modified and small-sided games and begin analyzing performance for improvement. Fitness education expands to include principles of training, goal setting using assessment data, and personal fitness tracking. Emphasis is placed on accountability, collaboration, conflict resolution, and responsible participation in diverse activity settings.
PE 8

The 8th Grade curriculum emphasizes skill competency, strategic application and personal fitness management. Students demonstrate consistent execution of sport-specific skills and apply increasingly complex tactical strategies in dynamic game environments. Instruction includes self and peer assessment, performance analysis, and situational decision making. Students design and implement individualized fitness plans based on assessment results and apply principles of fitness ( overload, progression, specificity, and frequency). The curriculum reinforces the relationship between physical activity, nutrition and long-term health. Leadership, inclusion, ethical participation, and effective group dynamics are integral components of the course.

Curriculum Detail

Explore our Curriculum

Physical Education

PE 6

PE 7

PE 8