Our Physical Education program is designed to maximize the fitness, skill and understanding of each student through a variety of unit offerings. The curriculum seeks to develop a positive attitude toward physical activity and fitness.  Students are scheduled in physical education for one semester of the school year.  Adjustments to the course offerings may be made due to facilities, staff availability, and class size considerations.  All units have been designed for both male and female students.

CORE HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION COURSES

CO-ED PHYSICAL EDUCATION:  9                                                                                  2.5 credits

Freshmen will have four units of physical education.  Acclimation to the high school environment and exposure to a range of physical education programs is a high priority for our freshmen.

            Aerobics                      Football                     Lacrosse                                    Track & Field

            Basketball                   Games Physical         Fitness                                      Volleyball

            Dance                          Gymnastics                Softball                                     Weight Training

CO-ED PHYSICAL EDUCATION:  10, 11, 12                                                                   2.5 credits

The activities will vary from unit to unit depending on the available staff and facilities.  Students will have four different activity units each year of physical education from the sophomore through the senior year.  The following activities will be offered:

            Aerobics                      Golf                             Soccer                                     Ultimate Frisbee

            Archery                       Indoor Hockey            Softball                                   Volleyball

            Badminton                  Jogging                        Speedball                                Weight Training

            Basketball                   Lacrosse                      Table Tennis                           Wrestling

            Bicycling                     Physical Fitness          Team Handball                       Stress Management

            Bowling                      Pickleball                     Track & Field                         CPR Certification

            Field Hockey              Self Defense               Touch Football

            Games                         Slimnastics                  Tumbling                                           

The following courses are not included in the computation of weighted class rank.

Any child whose parent or guardian presents to the school principal a signed statement that any part of the instruction in family life education is in conflict with his conscience, or sincerely held moral or religious beliefs, shall be excused from that portion of the course where such instruction is being given and no penalties as to credit or graduation shall result there from."  (N.J.S.A. 18:354.7)

CO-ED HEALTH:  9                                                                                                         2.5 credits

The freshman health curriculum consists of an introduction to the nature of health with concentration in the area of mental health, a review of general first aid procedures and a study of human reproduction and contraception.

  CO-ED HEALTH:  10                                                                                                        2.5 credits

The sophomore health curriculum is the classroom introduction of driver education culminating with the New Jersey Drivers’ [written] examination.  Ten hours of substance abuse education, five hours of AIDS education, and several lessons on sexual harassment and violence prevention are included.

CO-ED HEALTH:  11                                                                                                             2.5 credits

The junior health curriculum consists of four areas of study:  drug education, fitness and nutrition, current health issues, and family life education.

CO-ED HEALTH:  12                                                                                                             2.5 credits

In this course, the student is exposed to an in-depth study of the family in American society.  The student is familiarized with the many possible situations and responsibilities of today's family.  The course is made more varied through the contributions of various outside speakers who help broaden the scope of the student's experience.

MIND BODY CONNECTIONS 1:  11, 12                                                                                5 credits

This is a full-year course designed for the serious student of “fitness”.  Stress will be placed on the muscular domain.  The course is offered in lieu of the required health and Physical Education.  Students will design, develop and practice appropriate fitness regimens that will serve them for a lifetime of wellness.  An integral part of the course will be devoted to character education as well as other relevant health education issues.

MIND BODY CONNECTIONS 2:  11, 12                                                                                5 credits

  This is a full-year course designed for the serious student of “fitness”. Stress will be placed on

  total-body fitness. The course is offered in lieu of the required Health and Physical Education.

  Students will study body weight exercises, yoga, Pilates and cardiovascular endurance.

  Students will design, develop and practice appropriate fitness regimens that will serve them for

  a lifetime of wellness. An integral part of the course will be devoted to character education as

  well as other relevant health education issues.

UNIQUE ELECTIVES AT WEST

UNIFIED PHYSICAL EDUCATION:  9, 10, 11, 12                                                            2.5 credits

Unified Physical Education focuses on the physical, intellectual and social growth for all students.  Students of all ability levels come together through ongoing fitness, sports, leadership, and wellness activity.  Engaging in physical activity and sport alongside peers with and without disabilities creates important social relationships.  Unified Physical Education will foster inclusion through repeated, meaningful, inclusive experiences that foster relationships and friendships.