The physical education program at Aragon High School parallels the newly adopted state framework for physical education. It is based on the disciplines of motor learning, biomechanics, exercise physiology, human growth and development, sociology, and historical perspectives. It stresses physical education activities that help the student develop socially and emotionally as well as physically. We have two core phases: the 9^th grade unit and 10^th grade unit. The core program consists of department and district selected activities that are designed to introduce the student to Aragon Physical Education, physical fitness, as well as the many sports of our culture. Both groups will concentrate on an activity for a three-week to six-week period. Through regular participation in physical education, the student realizes the value of active involvement in our program and receives instruction in sports and methods of maintaining fitness, which will have the potential to improve the quality of their adult life. The 9^th grade core program will be duel: individual activities and physical fitness. The 10^th  grade core program will offer team activities and physical fitness.

Activities are selected and taught on a skill progression level that is commensurate with the individual's ability and grade level in each of the following areas:

1.           Movement Skills: These include the fundamental skills of various activities including archery, aquatics, golf, dance, and team or individual court and field games.

2.           Physical Fitness: The physical fitness battery gives attention to endurance, strength, agility, and flexibility. Each student is measured twice a year by our fall and spring testing programs. In addition, all physical education students participate each week in a structured physical fitness training class that includes strength, agility, and aerobics.

3.     Lifetime Activities: This portion of the program includes activities and skills that encourage a worthy use of

        leisure time while emphasizing the importance of maintaining fitness after graduation.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION 1-2 CORE   Year Course

Open to grade 9

Course Description: This course is a freshman orientation to physical education, physical fitness, and health. It is an introduction to basic skills and movement by participation and instruction in the following activities: swimming, dance, duel and individual sports, and physical fitness. All students must pass this course in order to graduate. This class consists of two fitness days a week, two activity days a week, and one make-up day every week. This course meets the district graduation requirement for freshman physical education.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION 3-4 CORE   Year or Semester Course

Open to grade 10-12

Course Description: This course is a continuation of the basic skill and movement by participation and instruction in the following activities: swimming, combatives, team sports, and physical fitness. This class will include two fitness days a week, two activity days a week, and one make-up day every week. This course meets the district graduation requirement for physical education.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION 5-6 CORE  Year or Semester Course

 Open to grade 10-12

Course Description: This course is for anyone who failed PE 1-2 and/or PE 3-4. It is a continuation of the basic skill and movement by participation and instruction in the following activities: soccer, weight training, swimming, team sports, and physical fitness. This course meets the district graduation requirement for physical education.

WEIGHT TRAINING -- ELECTIVE  Semester Course

Open to grades 9-12

Course Description: Students will learn how to develop a weight training program designed around their own needs, goals, and strengths. They will learn to make connections between anatomy and weight training. Students will be evaluated on their own improvement and their ability to construct and follow an effective personal workout plan. No homework, no running, no PE uniform. This class fulfills the elective credits to graduate; it does not fulfill the graduation requirement for PE.

ATHLETICS -- AFTER SCHOOL  Extracurricular Activity

Prerequisite: Permission of Athletic Coordinator

Open to grades 9-12

Course Description: Aragon offers a full program of Interscholastic Athletics. A physical examination and proper insurance coverage are required before any practice may begin. Participation in Athletics requires compliance with the San Mateo Union High School District eligibility standards and California Interscholastic Federation rules and regulations (which requires a 2.0 GPA and passing 25 credits during the previous grading period).

RALLY/SPIRIT SQUAD -- AFTER SCHOOL   Extracurricular Activity (Fall)

Prerequisite: Selection to one of spirit groups

Open to grades 9-12

Course Description: This course includes conditioning and learning cheers and/or dances. The Spirit Squad is made up of frosh/soph cheerleaders, varsity cheerleaders, and the dance team. Students are required to have an understanding of the team concept and to represent Aragon High School. Participation requires compliance with the San Mateo Union High School District eligibility standards and the California Interscholastic Federation rules and regulations (which requires a 2.0 GPA and passing 25 credits during the previous grading period).

HEALTH EDUCATION Semester Course

Prerequisite: None. The incoming freshmen will be taking health class during their freshman year.

Open to grades 9-12

Course Description:  This course has been designed using the Health Framework for California Public Schools. It provides a comprehensive, sequentially planned program to positively influence the knowledge, skills, attitude, and behaviors of individuals related to health. This in-depth health education program includes relevant health information that would lead students to make informed decisions leading to a healthy life style now and in the future. Subjects covered in this course will consist of decision making, goal setting, communication, stress management, conflict resolution, suicide awareness and prevention, consumer and community health, communicable and chronic diseases, individual growth and development, environmental health, alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, nutrition, injury prevention, and safety. This course meets the district graduation requirement for health education.