Health and Physical Education Department

The Health and Physical Education Department at Bethlehem Area School District allows students to have the opportunity to develop a range of fundamental motor and movement skills that form the basis of leisure, sporting and recreational activities.  Students will be able to benefit from gaining an understanding of the importance of personal and community actions to aid their physical, social and emotional health and promote health and life-long participation in physical activity for a long healthy life.

HEALTH 1 (HF1009) 0.5 credit

This health course is required for all ninth grade students. This class will include aspects of restorative practice, decision-making, communication, violence and prevention and drugs and alcohol.  Curriculum is reinforced through community agency and non-profit organizations. This course must be satisfactorily completed for graduation.

HEALTH 2 (HF2009) 0.5 credit

This health course is required for all tenth grade students.  This class will include aspects of fitness, nutrition, reproduction, abstinence, STD’s and HIV, and various other issues dealing with teenage sexuality. Curriculum is reinforced through community agencies and non-profit organizations. This course must be satisfactorily completed for graduation. Note: This class may be offered in an online environment.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION (HF9109) 0.5 credit

The physical education curriculum offers a variety of activities. Students will be involved in team sport activities, racquet activities, aerobics, fitness activities, weight training, swimming and other teacher-selected activities. This course must be satisfactorily completed for graduation. Note: This class may be offered in an online environment. Enrollment in Online PE requires administrative approval.

MAXIMUM FITNESS (HF9019) 0.5 credit

Maximum Fitness is designed for students who wish to further their physical fitness through a variety of high-intensity activities in individualized fitness programming. Students will learn basic and advanced strength training principles, cardiovascular training practices, and supporting concepts, such as nutrition and exercise science. Students will leave this course with the skills and knowledge needed to walk into their local fitness center and perform a variety of advanced fitness programs. Maximum fitness may be taken in place of regular physical education to meet graduation requirements.

TARGET PHYSICAL EDUCATION (HF9009) 0.5 credit

The TARGET (Taking Aim-Reaching Goals-Exceling Together) program is designed for students who prefer a low-impact, cardiovascular-based approach to physical education, rather than the competitive, sport-based approach found in regular Physical Education classes. TARGET students will learn a variety of techniques that promote total body wellness, including basic strength training, cardiovascular activities, flexibility, and mental health practices. Students will leave this course with the skills and knowledge needed to participate in regular physical activity on a daily basis and live a healthy lifestyle. TARGET Physical Education may be taken in place of regular physical education to meet graduation requirements.

PE ATHLETE (HF9029) 0.5 credit

Prerequisites: Students must be an active participant in a Bethlehem Area School District athletic program and have authorization of the varsity coach. The course affords student athletes the opportunity to maximize their fitness through a focus on strength training, cardiovascular training, mental health, and wellness. Students may utilize this credit for their Physical Education requirement. Note: This course should not take precedence over academic courses. Coaches and teachers are not permitted to require athletes to take PE athlete.

LIFEGUARDING (HF9039) 0.5 credit

Prerequisites: Students must possess a valid Lifesaving/First Aid and a CPR card in order to participate. Students must also obtain permission from Health and Physical Education Department Chair.

Students will receive 11th or 12th grade PE credit upon successful completion of the course. Expectations include the application of lifeguarding duties, skills and responsibilities during the entire class period. If the natatorium is not in use for a particular day, all lifeguards are expected to change and participate in regular physical education courses.

ELECTIVE PE (HF4029)                                                             0.5 credit

The physical education curriculum offers a variety of activities. Students will be involved in team sport activities, racquet activities, aerobics, fitness activities, weight training, swimming and other teacher-selected activities. This course is taken as an additional PE 0.5 credit.

 

HEALTH & PE ELECTIVES

INTRODUCTION TO EPIDEMIOLOGY (HF9089) 0.5 credit

This course explores specific health-related issues relevant to students through the science of epidemiology, the study of how and why diseases are distributed in a given population. This course will prepare students to make personal and collective evidence-based decisions pertaining to public health.

INTRODUCTION TO KINESIOLOGY (HF9079) 0.5 credit

This course is designed for those students who are interested in pursuing a career in the field of kinesiology.  The philosophy, history and scientific foundations of kinesiology, exercise science, health/wellness, fitness and sport will be covered.  Students will have the opportunity to explore professional career opportunities in teaching, coaching, athletic training, sport management, fitness leadership, sport media and health/wellness. The challenges, future of kinesiology, sport and health/wellness are also addressed. Note: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in Biology recommended.

SPORTS NUTRITION (HF9069) 0.5 credit

Sports Nutrition is a course designed to explore the crucial relationship between nutrition and athletic performance. This course is ideal for athletes and individuals passionate about sports and fitness. In this course, students will delve into the science behind nutrition and understand how it impacts energy levels, muscle development, endurance, and recovery in the context of sports and physical activities.

LIFEGUARD TRAINING AND ADVENTURE (HF9139) 0.5 credit

Students will complete the American Red Cross Lifeguard course. Swimming ability equal to American Red Cross Lifeguard pre-course skills checklist. Students must be 15 years of age .A swimming ability equal to level 4 of the Red Cross swim program is required, which includes swimming for distances with rhythmic breathing, treading water, deep water submersion.

PERSONAL FITNESS TRAINING (HF9149) 0.5 credit

A hybrid course designed specifically for students who have an interest in learning about becoming a personal fitness trainer. Students will learn about anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology, fitness testing and health assessment, nutrition, exercise prescription, equipment usage, and legal/safety issues. Interested seniors will be provided with the option of sitting for a National Personal Fitness Trainer Certification exam* upon successful completion of the course. Note: Students must be 18 years of age to take the National Personal Fitness Trainer Certification exam.

NUTRITION AND LIFELONG WELLNESS (HF9159) .5 Credit
Nutrition and Lifelong Wellness is a comprehensive course designed to empower students with the knowledge and skills needed to achieve and maintain lifelong health and wellbeing. The course will have an exploratory lab component focused on informed dietary choices and fitness habits that promote long-term health. In addition to elevating students’ personal wellness journeys, the course will investigate careers in the nutrition and wellness field.