Physical Education

Preschooler in the Gym climbing through an obstacle course

Building Skills, Confidence, and a Love of Movement

Westside’s physical education program strives to build students’ physical capacities while integrating social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development within a safe and supportive environment. P.E. grows confidence, cooperation, and humility for all students at their individual levels of ability. Through independent skill development and collaborative gameplay, students expand their capacity to think critically by applying strategy and solving problems. In P.E., Westside students improve their physical fitness and develop a lifelong appreciation for the benefits of movement.

At Westside, we believe that P.E. instruction is most effective when it includes:

Exposure to a wide variety of activities to support students’ understanding of space and objects
Development of foundational physical skills through a spiraling curriculum.
Opportunities for students to explore movement both in and out of the context of organized sports.
Collaborative and cooperative activities that promote teamwork, communication, and an understanding of and respect for the abilities of others.
A focus on building lifelong fitness habits by instilling a sense of enjoyment, confidence, and appreciation for the benefits of physical activity.

P.E. Learning Highlights

P.E. FOR EARLY LEARNERS

In Early Learning PE, students discover the joy of movement through play and exploration. They learn how to move safely in the gym, practice balance, jumping, and rhythmic movement, and explore a variety of ways to run, hop, skip, and move their bodies. Through cooperative games and simple sport activities, students build teamwork and sportsmanship while developing coordination and body awareness. They also begin to understand the importance of healthy food choices and taking care of their bodies.

P.E. IN LOWER SCHOOL

In Lower School PE, students build confidence, coordination, and teamwork through active, hands-on learning. They practice safe movement in the gym, explore throwing, catching, kicking, dribbling, and striking skills, and develop balance, rhythm, and body awareness. As they grow, students learn sport-specific skills and strategies while discovering the value of fitness, healthy choices, and good sportsmanship. PE is a joyful, energetic part of the day where every student can move, play, and shine.

P.E. IN MIDDLE SCHOOL

In Middle School PE, students build strength, confidence, and teamwork through a balance of fitness, skill development, and gameplay. They engage in cardiovascular conditioning, bodyweight strength exercises, and dynamic stretching while refining sport-specific skills and strategies. Classes encourage both individual growth and cooperative play, with an emphasis on effort, respect, and sportsmanship. As students progress through the middle school years, they gain a deeper understanding of how physical activity supports lifelong health and well-being.

LEARN MORE ABOUT APPLYING TO WESTSIDE HERE

Two students laughing during basketball camp

Building Skills, Confidence, and a Love of Movement

P.E. Learning Highlights

P.E. FOR EARLY LEARNERS

P.E. IN LOWER SCHOOL

P.E. IN MIDDLE SCHOOL

LEARNING AT WESTSIDE

STUDENT EXPERIENCE