Torch - Spring 2015

Havergal Profile

Developing Physically Literate Students By Susan Pink, Communications Associate

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F aculty in Havergal’s Health & Physical Education (H&PE) department want students to know that they do not need to be all-star athletes to excel in their program, but they do need to be motivated to become physically literate. Teachers design their classes to be inclusive and to limit competition in order for students to learn how to set and monitor their health and fitness goals and to gain the confidence to try a variety of sports, regardless of their fitness levels. In the Junior School, students are introduced to a variety of skills that are appropriate for their age and stage of development in order to help them become stronger and develop more confidence. By the Middle School, students are expected to have a solid foundation of fitness, sports and play in their skill set. “Our students love Physical Education because they value variety and inclusive fun,” says Kari Macer, the Upper School’s Head of H&PE. “We use the Teaching Games for Understanding model that packages sports into families: invasion territory games, net wall games, striking and fielding games, target games and body management activities,” Kari explains. “Once you know how to play one game in a family, with a few tweaks you can easily learn to play another game. For example, if you know how to play soccer, you will know how to play ultimate frisbee or football using the same concepts.” From Junior Kindergarten to Grade 10, H&PE is a compulsory course for all Havergal students. Kari says she is concerned that students who decide not to continue taking H&PE after Grade 10 will not benefit from the very important life skills taught through the program. “Students who are physically active have reduced social anxiety and improved self-confidence,” Kari says. “They are less likely to smoke or abuse drugs and alcohol, and they are less likely to engage in risky sexual behaviours. They are more focused and better prepared to learn and have a better self-image.” In an effort to boost interest in H&PE in Grades 11 and 12, the department offers focused courses that appeal to the interests of a variety of students, including Aquatics, Dance, Fitness, Outdoor Education and Racquet Sports. The department also offers a general H&PE course for those who enjoy participating in a wide variety of activities. “Being active is not just about rolling out the ball and playing. It’s about becoming a thinking athlete,” Kari says. “We want our students to understand strategy and concepts and to make connections between the skills they learn so that they can be successful in all aspects of their lives.”

Being active is not just about rolling out the ball and playing. It’s about becoming a thinking athlete.

“ Our H&PE teachers are excellent role models for our students as each of them has a unique set of skills in sports and fitness. “Every member of our team has different strengths and expertise by way of their backgrounds and interests, which appeals to different students and their passions,” says Karen Whitfield, Upper School H&PE teacher. Among Junior School teachers, expertise ranges from field hockey and ice hockey to gymnastics, wrestling, basketball, cross country and track and field. In the Upper School, faculty expertise includes team-building, fitness, health sciences, dance, aquatics, racquet sports and outdoor education. In addition to their teaching responsibilities, each H&PE faculty member coaches a variety of teams in the school’s co-curricular Athletics program. “I am lucky to work with professionals who, like me, take their roles as health and physical education educators seriously,” says Jeany Ellis, Upper School H&PE teacher. “We can teach to our strengths and passions and offer our best to our students.” With a dynamic team of talented and dedicated teachers, coupled with Havergal’s outstanding facilities (which include a superb 25-metre pool, a double and two single gyms, a climbing wall, a Fitness Centre, three sports fields and six tennis courts), our students have the opportunity to get the most out of the H&PE program at Havergal. Working together, this team strives to develop physically literate students who continue to pursue health and fitness throughout their lives.

TABLE OF CONTENTS | SPRING 2015 • TORCH 9