Academics
The Punahou Journey

Physical Education

Physical Education is pumping – the heart, that is. Whether choosing to be fit, learning a new game, developing specific skills or just having fun with friends, movement is at the heart of leading a physically active lifestyle.

The goal of the Academy Physical Education Department is to help students develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of healthful physical activity. Empowering students to take control of their personal fitness is a primary goal of the Physical Education program.

A physically literate individual:
  • Demonstrates competency in a variety of skills.
  • Applies knowledge of movement concepts and principles.
  • Demonstrates a health-enhancing level of fitness.
  • Exhibits responsible personal and social behavior.
  • Values physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge and self-expression.
The Physical Education Department encourages students to experience a variety of activities that complement their personal interests and challenge them physically.

Graduation Requirements
Two credits are required for graduation. There are four categories from which students may choose to earn their credits: In School (ISPE), After School (ASPE), Athletics (ILH), and Summer School.
 
All students are required to take Lifetime Fitness. It is a fitness-related course, offered during regular school hours as well as during summer school and must be completed by the end of the tenth grade year.
 
It is highly recommended Lifetime Fitness be taken before any ISPE course. Students may not take two ISPE courses concurrently.
ISPE: In-School Physical Education (Physical Education)
ISPE is comprised of a number of courses that offer students a choice of activities. In each course, students learn to develop proficiency in skills and various movement forms, incorporate tactics, concepts and strategies in situations relative to the activity, as well as demonstrate responsible personal and social behavior. They are also encouraged to engage in regular exercise outside of class and utilize personal goals to guide an exercise program appropriate for them. The ultimate goal for these experiences is to help students become confident and competent enough to participate in and enjoy a variety of activities in recreational settings. To support out-of-class participation, several facilities are available for student use (under certain conditions), i.e. track, pool, racquetball courts, tennis courts and weight room.

Lifetime Fitness provides many concepts fundamental to the PE curriculum and is recommended before taking any ISPE course.

1st Semester
  • Basic Yoga Plus
  • FIT*
  • Indoor Sports
  • Strength Training**
  • Yoga I
  • Yoga II
  • Yoga Hybrid
2nd Semester
  • Basic Yoga Plus
  • Outdoor Sports
  • PEP
  • Racquetball/Tennis
  • Yoga I
  • Yoga II
Open to grades 9, 10, 11, 12. *Note: FIT is open to grades 11, 12 only and **Strength Training is open to grades 10, 11, 12 only. Prerequisite for Yoga II and Yoga II Hybrid: Yoga I and Lifetime Fitness. Prerequisite for Strength Training is Lifetime Fitness. Semester course. One-half credit. Letter graded with a Credit/No Credit option (C or better for credit). Satisfies Physical Education graduation requirement.

After-School Physical Education (ASPE)
This program provides an opportunity for students to explore and engage in unique lifetime activities outside of the regular school day. Students elect activities by quarter and may combine activities from any two quarters to fulfill a semester credit. Many instructors are professionals in the community who provide their services to our students through this physical education program. Besides learning the related concepts and principles of movement, students practice and understand the basic skills, rules and strategies and their application as a lifetime fitness activity.

Classes meet two times per week, (Monday/Wednesday OR Tuesday/Thursday), 3:45 – 5:30 p.m., beginning with the first meeting day in each quarter. Activities may include ballet, bowling, capoeira, fencing, gymnastics, hiking, hula, judo, Middle Eastern dance, racquetball, sailing, surfing, stand-up paddling and Zumba. Students in ballet are also required to register with the Dance School.

Open to grades 9, 10, 11, 12. Prerequisite: Lifetime Fitness. Quarter course. One-quarter credit. Only ASPE quarters may be combined for semester credit. Credit/No Credit (C or better for credit). Satisfies Physical Education graduation requirement.
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