Physical and health education by its very nature provides a learning environment that is unique and individual from all others in a formal school setting. It is the only subject area that specifically and significantly contributes to the physical fitness and motor development of students. The Physical and Health Education Department at HIS is committed to providing an equitable opportunity for all students to achieve physical fitness and become physically self-confident. The establishment of a healthy attitude towards activity and physical fitness during childhood, leads to active and healthy lifestyle as an adult.

Physical education programs encourage regular, vigorous activity to develop the various aspects of physical fitness such as flexibility, agility, co-ordination, power, strength, balance and in particular, cardiovascular respiratory endurance. Maximum participation, enjoyment, the improvement of personal skills and the development of physical fitness are key objectives. Sound physical education programs give students an optimal amount of playing time without sacrificing instruction and skill development. Physical and health education classes encourage and foster the development and maintenance of personal physical fitness with the goal that students make vigorous activity a regular part of their lives.

Students in a physical education class have the enhanced opportunity to be involved in numerous situations where students can experience, acquire and practice the various skills of positive leadership. Students learn to accept responsibility, to work successfully in groups, to communicate meaningfully, to listen effectively, to motivate others, to make commitments, to lead projects, to co-operate in decisions making, and to encourage and assist peers with tasks. The development of self-confidence, adaptability, self-esteem, versatility and self-discipline can all be developed within a physical education setting.

A study of health creates enthusiasm for an active and healthy lifestyle, an enjoyment and appreciation of physical activity, and effective life practices. Health curriculum provides information to students upon which can be based decisions for a healthy lifestyle, now and in the future. Students should have the opportunity to understand the consequences of unhealthy lifestyle choices.

Elementary

The major physical emphasis in the early years lies in the development of basic motor skills including walking, running, jumping, catching, throwing, kicking, rolling, etc. Students learn to control objects/implements and themselves physically in a variety of situations. Students also experience progressively more difficult tasks and attempt an ever-greater variety of tasks. A well-planned program will result in not only in physical fitness and new skills, but also in a more positive self-image, more desirable social behavior and the joy of feeling physically fit.

Middle School

In middle school, physical and health education, gross and fine motor skills are further developed through a variety of teams sports, games and activities. Effective play in team sports requires a high degree of physical fitness. Team play emphasizes the sharing of responsibilities and goals amongst players and encourages meaningful group interaction. Middle school physical education includes the development of the social, emotional and intellectual values of each sport as well as encouraging sportsmanship and proper etiquette. Group activities provide an opportunity for students to experience, learn and demonstrate the benefits of teamwork, cooperation and fair play needed to achieve a common goal in hands on physical activities and sports. As adolescence approaches it is imperative that students develop a clear understanding of how their bodies function and the consequences of harmful treatment of its various systems.

High School

The major emphasis in physical education in the high school is placed on sports and activities that may lead to continuing participation in physical activity outside of the school environment. Physical activity after high school becomes an optional part of an individual's lifestyle, making it critical that high school physical education prepares students for a lifetime of physical activity. To accomplish this, it is essential that activity is enjoyable, the benefits of it are reinforced and the diversity of post-high school possibilities explored. Community resources are an important part of a post-high school activity program and students should be introduces to these possibilities. Individual and dual activities make up a major portion of the program Within the realm of team sports more complex tactics are explored and further developing the intellectual aspects of sport.  

Wellness is a state of physical, intellectual, emotional and social well-being. It is a comprehensive and lifelong pursuit to achieve one's personal best. Health studies provide an arena within which students can share opinions and explore their own attitudes towards wellness. An in-depth look at ones own lifestyle assists in motivating students to achieve this level of wellness.

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