At Saint Cecilia School, our Physical Education program is designed to help students develop the skills, confidence, and positive attitudes they need to lead healthy and active lives. We believe physical education is an important part of educating the whole child. Through regular physical activity, students develop strength, coordination, balance, endurance, and confidence while discovering the joy that comes from being active and taking care of the bodies God has given them. 

Throughout elementary Physical Education, students are given opportunities to develop fundamental movement and sports skills, including locomotor skills, throwing, catching, kicking, striking, jumping, balancing, and agility. As students grow, they learn how to apply these skills through a variety of games, activities, and sports. They also develop an understanding of movement concepts, strategies, and tactics that allow them to become more skilled and confident participants. 

Physical Education also plays an important role in developing students socially, emotionally, and mentally. Through cooperative games, team activities, and physical challenges, students learn to communicate, work together, solve problems, demonstrate good sportsmanship, and respect themselves and others. Students are encouraged to persevere when an activity is challenging, celebrate the accomplishments of their classmates, and understand that effort and growth are just as important as athletic ability.  

Physical Education Expectations & Assessment 

Students are assessed not only on their ability to perform physical skills, but also on their effort, preparation, attitude, and ability to work cooperatively with others. Students are expected to come to class prepared with appropriate sneakers and their gym uniform, participate to the best of their ability, demonstrate a willingness to learn, and work respectfully as part of a team. Participation, effort, cooperation, sportsmanship, and personal growth are all important components of a student's Physical Education experience. 

Core Physical Education Standards 

Our Physical Education program supports six core areas of development: Standard 1: Develop competency in motor skills and movement patterns. 
Standard 2: Understand movement concepts, principles, strategies, and tactics. 
Standard 3: Participate regularly in physical activity.
 Standard 4: Achieve and maintain health-enhancing levels of physical fitness. 
Standard 5: Demonstrate responsible personal and social behavior while respecting oneself and others.  
Standard 6: Recognize and value physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and social interaction. 

Through Physical Education, we strive to help every child discover that movement can be a source of health, confidence, friendship, joy, and personal growth. Our hope is that each student develops the knowledge skills, and appreciation necessary to make physical activity a meaningful part of a healthy, active lifestyle.