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Physical Education

The high correlation between positive body image and positive self-image and between physical health and mental dexterity is well documented. Physical Education offers each student an opportunity to experience success, to demonstrate measurable progress at his own speed, to understand the function of major body systems, and to learn sound health practices. We seek a balance between the development of motor skills, and the development of skills in lifetime sports activities.


Credit Requirements

  • Minimum Graduation Requirements: 20 PE Credits (2 years)
  • College / University Requirements: No PE credits required


Physical Education Policies

  • Physical Education is required for all ninth-grade students. All freshmen will be required to take PE Coed for the entire year, except when they are scheduled into a semester team sport or equivalent course (see below).  

  • A second year of Physical Education is required to earn a high school diploma (20 credits). 

  • Physical Education classes are one semester in length. All courses are offered as variable credit, which is dependent on student participation in the daily activities.

  • The Physical Education staff recommends the broadest possible experiences within the elective program for each student.

  • Team Sports, Pep Squad, Dance, Color Guard, and Marching Band may be taken for P.E. credit. Freshmen participating in Marching Band must also enroll in a regular P.E. class.

  • Students participating in athletics will be enrolled in team sports in the last period of the day.


California Physical Fitness Test

Once per school year, our students in grade nine will participate in the California Physical Fitness Test.  This health-related fitness test is intended to help students acquire lifelong habits of regular physical activity.  The fitness test includes activities for the five standards of fitness, including:

  1. Aerobic capacity
  2. Abdominal strength and endurance
  3. Trunk extension strength and flexibility
  4. Upper body strength and endurance
  5. Flexibility

There are two or three options for most fitness areas so that all students, including those with special needs, have the maximum opportunity to participate. Two levels have been established to evaluate and report performance for each fitness area; (a) in the Healthy Fitness Zone and (b) needs improvement. The desired performance goal for each test option is the Healthy Fitness Zone, which represents a level of fitness that offers some protection against the diseases resulting from physical inactivity.  


Courses

  • Credits: 5 per semester

  • College Prep Course

All 9th graders, except those in team sports and equivalent classes, will be enrolled in PE Coed.  This class, in keeping with the California State Standards for physical education, will provide opportunities for freshmen to participate in a wide variety of individual and dual-sport activities which may include: racquet sports (tennis, badminton, and pickleball), yoga, fitness, swimming, volleyball, basketball, and other alternate sport activities.

  • Credits: 5 per semester

This course will include the team racquet sports badminton and pickleball. Throughout the semester students will demonstrate knowledge of and competency in motor skills, movement patterns, strategy, and teamwork through badminton and pickleball play. Students will build upon their prior knowledge from these two activities and continue to grow in their skills and enjoyment for racquet sports for a lifetime. 

  • Credits: 5 per semester

This course will include the team court sports volleyball and basketball. Throughout the semester students will demonstrate knowledge of and competency in motor skills, movement patterns, strategy, and teamwork through volleyball and basketball play. Students will build upon their prior knowledge from these two activities and continue to grow in their skills and enjoyment for court sports for a lifetime. 


Credit for Private Instruction Credit

Credit for private instruction will be available in the area of Physical Education and World Language.  This credit must be approved in advance by an administrator.  Options are limited and must meet rigorous district guidelines.

Private instruction for world language is limited to 10 credits, and independent study is limited to 20 credits. All are taken on a pass-no pass basis.

Physical Education Private Instruction

Eligibility & Requirements

  • Private instruction in Physical Education is designed for nationally ranked students in an individual sport or are in a sport pre-approved for private instruction credit by the Irvine Unified School District.

  • The student must be preparing for national/international competition and have at least 300 minutes per week of private instruction/practice with a qualified instructor.

  • The maximum number of physical education credits available via private instruction is 20 on a pass/fail basis only.

Application Process

  • Parents/guardians and students must submit an application within the first week of each semester to be considered for Private Instruction P.E.

  • Applications may be obtained from the student’s counselor or an administrator.

  • Students apply 1 time per school year.

  • Applications must include a copy of the student’s ranking, the student’s practice schedule, and a schedule of the student’s contests/competitions/games.