Physical Education

The goal of the physical education department is to provide a setting in which young women can pursue excellence in the physical realm of their lives whether they are on a team or not. We help young women become empowered and enhance their self-esteem as they learn to accomplish a physically challenging activity. All students must participate in physical education each year at Winsor. A sampling of offerings follows.

Physical Education Courses 2007-2008

Class I

Fall
Cooperative games, field hockey, swimming, soccer, yoga.

Winter
Basketball, dance, pickle ball, swimming.

Spring
Lacrosse, softball, swimming, track and field mini-olympics,

Class II

Fall
Cooperative games, field hockey, soccer, swimming

Winter
Basketball, floor hockey, swimming, dance.

Spring
Lacrosse, softball, swimming, tennis.

Class III

Fall
Golf, fitness and strength training, pickle ball, swimming

Winter
Badminton, dance, fitness and strength training, floor hockey

Spring
Tennis, ultimate Frisbee, fitness testing, swimming

Class IV

Fall
Flag football, golf, yoga

Winter
Dance, fitness, pickle ball, group games

Spring
Kickball, softball, tennis

Lower School Health

The Health and Wellness curriculum in Lower School is a comprehensive, developmental model that focuses on key issues to help young women build and maintain physical, social, emotional, and mental well-being. Areas covered include nutrition and personal fitness, stress reduction, substance use and abuse, growth and development, human sexuality, safety, and social and mental health. In 2007-08, health will be taught in classes II and IV.

Class II’s theme is based on relationship to self and others; specifically, body image and nutrition, hygiene, reproduction of the female body, harmful vs. helpful substances, smart choices and decision making, peer pressure, and first aid. Class II Health will meet twice a week during designated time periods throughout the school year.

Class IV’s theme is based on furthering relationships; specifically, sexuality and relationships, self-esteem, positive psychology, substance abuse, and cultivation of informed, beneficial health choices. In addition, Class IV Health meets once a week, focusing on body image, self-esteem, nutrition, and leadership. Additional units include relaxation, sexuality and addiction prevention.

Interscholastic Sports in Lower School

Class III and Class IV athletes may try out for competitive teams in the following middle school sports: field hockey and soccer in the fall; basketball in the winter; and lacrosse, softball and tennis in the spring. They may also try out for the following Upper School teams: cross-country in the fall (for Class IV students only that participated in track during their Class III year); ice hockey, swimming and squash in the winter; and track in the spring.

Class V-VIII

In Class V and VI, students must take one semester of health each year. In addition, they must do a semester of fitness, a semester-long independent project, or participate on two sports teams. In Class VII and VIII, students must take at least two semesters of activity, including one semester of health and one semester of fitness, a semester-long independent project, or participation on two sports teams. The required Upper School health courses are as follows:

Class V

Fitness and Wellness
This activity and discussion-based class requires reading and participation in weekly physical activity. Topics include: seven dimensions of wellness, guidelines for personal exercise program, cardiovascular fitness, strength training, flexibility and stress management.

Class VI

Wellness
In this lecture and activity-based class, readings and a class project cover self-esteem, decision making, body image, mental health, sexuality, relationships, alcohol, drugs, stress and relaxation.

Class VII or VIII

Women’s Health Issues
In this lecture and discussion-based class, students explore values, relationships, violence against women, reproductive health, alcohol and other drugs, mental health, nutrition, personal safety/self-defense, stress and relaxation.

Upper School Teams:

Fall
Crew, cross country, field hockey, soccer.

Winter
Basketball, ice hockey, squash, swimming.

Spring
Crew, lacrosse, sailing, softball, tennis, track.