At VA, we’re big believers that Physical Education (PE) improves classroom performance. In addition to its many physical and mental health benefits, it aids concentration and memorization and teaches students socialization, teamwork, and leadership skills.
The National Physical Education Standards guide our K–12 PE curriculum, and we administer the S.C. Physical Education Assessment (FitnessGram) annually in grades two, five, eight, and high school to evaluate program effectiveness.
Our PE teacher, Jordan Washington, also serves as our school’s athletic director. He says physical education teaches students healthy activities and essential exercise while introducing them to team play and VA Athletics, a program he hopes to grow as the school expands to capacity.
Grades K–5
In elementary school, our students take PE every day for a week, every three weeks.
Grades 6–8
In middle school, PE is considered a core subject area. Students take PE daily for a semester.
Grades 9–12
PE is a graduation requirement. Students must pass at least one Carnegie unit of PE to include one semester of personal fitness and another semester of lifetime fitness.
National Physical Education Standards
Standard 1: The physically literate individual demonstrates competency in a variety of motor skills and movement patterns.
Standard 2: The physically literate individual applies knowledge of concepts, principles, strategies and tactics related to movement and performance.
Standard 3: The physically literate individual demonstrates the knowledge and skills to achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical activity and fitness.
Standard 4: The physically literate individual exhibits responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others.
Standard 5: The physically literate individual recognizes the value of physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression and/or social interaction.
