Physical Education

Students who cannot participate in physical education (P.E.) for medical reasons must have a doctor’s statement on file with the school that excuses them from participation in the ninth or tenth grade. A doctor’s excuse is only valid for a maximum of one year. All grade levels participate in school site fitness assessment testing at least twice in a school year.

Any student who suffers from a medical condition and who is unable to participate in any physical activity for more than six (6) weeks or 30 school days within a semester shall be placed on a modified P.E. program and exempted from the P.E. course requirement for that time period within which they are ill or injured or placed on an alternative program that meets the criteria for that course (Ed Code Section 51241).

The state’s four-year Physical Education requirement has been suspended as the state is working to revise the Physical Fitness tests and calculation of Healthy Fitness zones. SSFUSD students must take two years of Physical Education courses to meet graduation requirements.

Physical Education (Grades 9 and 10)

Year Course

Fulfills SSFUSD graduation requirement only

The required physical education (P.E.) core curriculum for grades 9 and 10 is designed to give students of varied skill and coordination levels beginning learning experiences in each of the following five areas: aquatics, self-defense, body development and fitness, individual/dual sports, and team sports. A learning progression of individual skill development is emphasized in conjunction with the development of endurance, strength, flexibility, and conceptual learning specific to each activity unit. In the 10th grade there shall be an elective program of not less than one quarter or more than one semester of elective unit activities. These units shall consist of: Aquatics, Self Defense, Individual/Dual Sports, Team Sports, Body Conditioning/Aerobics, Physical Fitness.

Physical Education Elective (Grades 11 and 12)

Semester Course

Fulfills SSFUSD graduation requirement only

The elective physical education (P.E.) curriculum for grades 11 and 12 is designed to give students of varied abilities and interest learning experiences with an emphasis on lifetime sports. Self-assessment and the continued development of endurance, strength, flexibility, and conceptual learning specific to each activity unit are primary program goals. Students will take part in a combination of both team sports (9th grade focus) and/or individual sports (10th grade focus) depending on the availability of the facilities not taken over by the core courses. Similar to the 9th and 10th grade courses, these students may undergo both skills tests and knowledge tests accordingly.

Advanced Physical Education Conditioning Elective (Grades 11 and 12)

Dance 1 (Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12)

Year Course

Fulfills “F” of UC/CSU A-G admission requirements

This course in theater dance covers the basic principles of jazz, tap, and ballet. It is recommended for students who have had little or no dance training and who are interested in studying dance as an art form. Students are required to perform at all school functions and community functions. Some written work is required. Dance classes require special shoes. This course may not be used as a make-up/substitute for year 1 of the core Physical Education requirement.

After completing year 1 of the physical education core curriculum, students can obtain a waiver for up to two (2) years in grades 10-12 and receive P.E. credit or Fine Arts credit or Elective credit by taking Dance 1, 2, 3, or 4.

Dance 2, 3, 4 (Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12)

Year Course

Fulfills “F” of UC/CSU A-G admission requirements

Prerequisite: “C” in Dance 1 or teacher recommendation

This course is an extension of skills learned in the previous dance course. Students are exposed to a variety of dance forms and have the opportunity to experience further skill development, creativity, and group choreography. Written work may be required. Students are required to perform at all school functions and community functions. Dance classes require special shoes. This course may not be used as a make-up/substitute for year 1 of the CORE Physical Education requirement.

After completing year 1 of the physical education core curriculum, students can obtain a waiver for up to two (2) years in grades 10-12 and receive P.E. credit or Fine Arts credit or Elective credit by taking Dance 1, 2, 3, or 4.