St. James' Physical Education Philosophy
The Physical Education program at St. James’ Episcopal School serves as an integral component of the overall educational experience. Through the mediums of sport and movement, students participate in a sequential, differentiated program that effectively fosters personal health, fitness, and safety. The curriculum is designed to build upon each individual student’s level of strength, flexibility, and endurance. The development of critical social skills, including respect, communication, teamwork, and sportsmanship, is continually emphasized and refined. The promotion of a cooperative learning environment, combined with exposure to a wide variety of individual, dual, and group activities, provides students with the opportunity to make educated decisions regarding both the achievement and maintenance of a healthy lifestyle.
Kindergarten through Second Grade Physical Education focuses on the following fundamental physical skills:
Third through Sixth Grade Physical Education concentrates on overall fitness development and emphasizes skills enhancement in the following individual and team sports:
Special events such as the Fifth and Sixth Grade Fitness Challenge, a variety of intramural sports tournaments, and the “Race Across America” pedometer program are also included as part of the curriculum. In addition, the Physical Education program features a Sixth Grade "Gaming Lab" designed to provide students with a unique platform effectively merging critical-thinking skills, team-building, and the development of viable new sports-related activities.
Kindergarten through Second Grade Physical Education focuses on the following fundamental physical skills:
- movement competency
- motor skills
- body management
- coordination and reflex development
- manipulative skills
- foundational sports skills (throwing, catching, striking, kicking, etc.)
Third through Sixth Grade Physical Education concentrates on overall fitness development and emphasizes skills enhancement in the following individual and team sports:
- football
- basketball
- hockey
- track and field
- baseball
- volleyball
- soccer
- badminton
- flying discs
Special events such as the Fifth and Sixth Grade Fitness Challenge, a variety of intramural sports tournaments, and the “Race Across America” pedometer program are also included as part of the curriculum. In addition, the Physical Education program features a Sixth Grade "Gaming Lab" designed to provide students with a unique platform effectively merging critical-thinking skills, team-building, and the development of viable new sports-related activities.