Physical Education

Physical education is an important component of the educational school day. Current brain research supports the importance of physical activity during school to promote learning. Research also shows that children and adolescents who are physically active grow into healthier adults. The outcome of a physical education program that is developmentally and instructionally appropriate is a student with the knowledge to lead a healthy and active lifestyle for their lifetime.

Physical Education in Orange County Public Schools is designed to give students the opportunity to learn through a comprehensive sequentially planned program using the Florida Standards as a guide.

"Physical education shall consist of physical activities of at least a moderate intensity level and for a duration sufficient to provide a significant health benefit to students"
-State Statute 1003.455(1).

In elementary school, Florida state statute currently requires 150 minutes per week of physical education. Elementary physical education focuses on movement competency, cognitive abilities, lifetime fitness, and responsible behaviors and values. OCPS school district policy prohibits interscholastic athletic contests at the elementary school level.

"The equivalent of one class period per day of physical education for one semester of each year is required for students enrolled in grades 6-8"
-State Statute 1003.455(3)

Middle school students are provided the opportunity to learn through the application of movement competency, cognitive abilities, lifetime fitness, and responsible behaviors and values. Psychological and sociological concepts are the cornerstone of the middle school physical education program.

H.O.P.E. (Health Opportunities through Physical Education) is a required high school physical education course. The purpose of this course is to develop and enhance healthy behaviors that influence lifestyle choices and student health and fitness. Students realize the full benefit of this course as it is taught with an integrated approach to health and physical education.

Health and physical education topics identified in the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards include, but are not limited to:

  • Mental/emotional/social health
  • Physical activity
  • Components of physical fitness
  • Nutrition and wellness planning
  • Communicable and noncommunicable diseases and disorders, including STDs and HIV
    Health advocacy
  • First aid/CPR
  • Alcohol, tobacco, and other drug prevention
  • Human sexuality education including sexual abstinence and teen pregnancy prevention
  • Internet safety
  • Dating violence and abuse prevention

Physical education plays a critical role in educating the whole student with Psychomotor, Cognitive and Affective benefits. Physical activity is like "Miracle-Grow for the brain" states John Ratey. Physical education doesn't make students learn, but it gives them an advantage to learn. Students also learn how to live an active and healthy lifestyle, recognize and model responsible behaviors, and develop or enhance life values