Physical Education has an important part to play in both the Primary Years Program and the Middle Years Program, but it is not an official part of the Diploma program. For Diploma students, we offer an exciting program of elective-based activities, both on- and off-campus.
PYP
During the early years (K-2), our progressive and developmental program of Physical Education, focuses primarily on the development of fundamental motor abilities. These students generally participate in general PE lessons for about 70 minutes per week.
Grade 3-6 students PE program continues to emphasize the fundamental motor abilities, but there is an increasing emphasis on learning sport-specific skills and rules. These students participate in general PE lessons for 70 minutes per week and elective Sport classes for 70 minutes per week. Basketball, Softball, Badminton, Soccer and Gymnastics are among the sports offered.
All students from K-6 participate in 3 one-week programs of swimming lessons per year, which focus on water safety, stroke development and basic lifesaving skills.
The development of Physical fitness is of fundamental importance for all grade levels. All students from Grades 2-6 participate in an annual fitness test, the aim of which is to motivate students to achieve top levels of physical fitness.
MYP
We offer a very unique program of Physical Education during these years. PE is a major component of the MYP Program and students participate in 4 periods of PE per 6-day week. Two of these periods are sport focused and are on a rotational basis. During these sessions, students receive instruction from a specialist in the particular sport they are studying. A variety of sports such as Basketball, Softball, Badminton, Soccer, Volleyball and Tennis are taught in these sessions, as well as units on Lifesaving, Gymnastics and Dance. The other two periods are with a general PE teacher and the focus in these sessions is more on health, physical fitness and games.
IB Diploma
Physical Education is not a subject that is offered as part of the IB Diploma program. However, at SPH, the value of regular physical activity is recognized to be of great importance. It is therefore compulsory that all Diploma students participate in 2 sessions of an elective-based sport and activity program in addition to their regular IB coursework in other subjects. A wide variety of activities are offered, both on- and off-campus, such as Golf, Bowling, Tennis, Softball, S.C.U.B.A. Diving, Softball, Basketball, etc.
