Physical Education /Athletics

Objectives

 

Physical Education is an essential part of any young person's education. A carefully designed program will have some valuable objectives. McLean School's Physical Education and Athletic Department objectives include:

1. To develop improved health and physical fitness through a broad range of activities and sports.

2. To develop and improve physical skills and abilities.

3. To foster an appreciation of play and the use of leisure time.

4. To provide equal programs and equal opportunities for participation for both sexes.

5. To develop qualities of fair play and sportsmanship.

6. To develop an understanding of the basic rules and concepts of various sports.

7. To strive for excellence (to be the best you can be) in competitive and noncompetitive environments.

8. To develop desirable social values and attitudes.

9. To help instill the following set of values:

• Commitment
• Discipline
• Teamwork
• Cooperation
• Self-confidence
• Work Ethic

10. To make the McLean School physical education and athletic experience enjoyable, satisfying, and personally fulfilling. 

The Program

At the K - 4 level each class provides activities that are fun, promote healthy exercise, introduce games that utilize basic locomotor movements, provide cooperative play, and support good sportsmanship. Skills that require basic locomotor movements are introduced at the beginning of the school year and are followed by activities that concentrate on throwing, catching, kicking, striking, balance, tumbling, and spatial awareness. Introducing basic concepts of physical fitness and healthy living will be discussed. Third and fourth graders will begin to play lead-up games to many sports. Physical Education is offered with 40 minute classes, 5 days per week.

5th and 6th grade physical education provides some great teaching moments. A variety of skills are taught in many different activities. Many skills are learned for the first time and some skills are already known and just need to be refined. Lead up games are played frequently. Basic strategies associated with many sports are taught. Some basic fitness concepts are introduced. Each fall 5th and 6th graders will take the Presidential Physical Fitness Test. It will be administered again in the spring. Physical Education is offered five days per week for 40 minutes each day. For one semester each student will use one physical education day for health education.

7th and 8th grade physical education consists of three to four week mini units. Most units are sports related, such as soccer and football, while others consist of a group of games with a common theme, such as racquet sports. The basic skills of these sports are practiced and incorporated into small group games and full class scrimmages. Basic strategies associated with many games are taught. The teaching of fitness concepts is continued. As with the 5th and 6th grader, each 7th and 8th grader will take the Presidential Physical Fitness Test in the fall and spring. Physical Education is offered five days per week for 40 minutes each day. The 7th and 8th graders are offered health one day per week for the entire year.

Upper school students are required to successfully complete two credits of physical education or the equivalent of six sports seasons. In nearly all cases this requirement is fulfilled in the 9th and 10th grade. The credits can be earned through involvement in:

• McLean School Athletic Program (13 teams- 7 girls and 6 boys)
• After school intramural program
• Independent Study
• Daily physical education class

The upper school physical education program includes units in many sports, including lifetime activities. An emphasis on fitness concepts with opportunities to set and achieve personal goals is an important part of the program. Physical Education is offered for 40 minutes each day, five days per week. The 9th graders will be offered health one day per week for the entire year.

Athletic Offerings

The athletic program provides opportunities for students in grades 5-8 to play on Middle School teams. Where the level of participation permits, separate 5/6 and 7/8 teams will be created with full schedules. At the very least there will be one team for 5-8 players. Middle School practices and/or games will be held 3-4 times per week, 2-3 times a week if a 5/6 team. Middle School practices will generally end by 4:30. Upper School teams ending times will differ and depend upon the season. Team participation at this level is a 5 day per week commitment. It is possible that Saturday and vacation practices and/or games will be scheduled.

With the 2002-2003 school year, McLean School begins its first year as a full upper school and its first senior class. This also has provided the opportunity for the athletic program to offer varsity sports against other varsity teams. The School is also seeking membership into an appropriate league. There is great excitement among the athletes, coaches and the rest of the school community as the Mustangs proudly work hard to prepare for the next step in their future.

The McLean School Athletic Program offers the following teams for students in grades 5-12:

Fall

Winter

Spring

Field hockey (girls)	Basketball (girls)	Lacrosse (girls)
Volleyball (girls)	Basketball (boys)	Lacrosse (boys)
Soccer (boys)	Wrestling (boys & girls)	Track & Field (girls)
Cross Country (girls)		Track & Field (boys)
Cross Country (boys)

McLean Athletic Schedules