Physical Education & Health

Department Philosophy Statement

The Health and Physical Education program at ISB develops and supports the whole child. Through individual and collaborative activities, students learn skills in a variety of contexts designed to promote the pursuit of social, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Real world and authentic learning occurs in a fun, safe and inclusive environment.  

As a Health and Physical Education program, we value

• engaging activities that incorporate student choice and encourage active participation for all students.   
• teaching the whole child, designing experiences that appeal to a variety of learning styles and interests, and allowing opportunities for self-discovery and reflection.   
• a balanced curriculum fostering active living, movement competency, and health education. 
• modeling a healthy, active lifestyle in all stages of life.   
• building positive relationships with students and developing strong home-school partnerships.   

We believe that students learn Health and Physical Education best when they:   

• are motivated in a fun, safe, and inclusive learning environment.   
• are appropriately challenged and learning is personalized. 
• feel comfortable enough to take risks, accept mistakes or failure, and try new activities.   
• create goals and are supported with positive feedback on their efforts and improvement.   
• are exposed to a variety of sports and exercise activities in order to make choices about which ones might appeal to them as a participant.  
• understand why they are learning about Physical Education and how it can help them outside of the classroom.