Middle School Curriculum

Explore our Curriculum

Health & Physical Education (Grades 5–8)

Sanford students enjoy the benefits of daily physical activity. Getting students into the habit of daily physical activity is an important part of providing a truly well-rounded education. Our program’s goals are for students to move, have fun, and understand that being truly prepared for success in college and for life includes learning how to make fitness and healthy decision-making a valued part of every day.

The Middle School Athletics program ensures that all students in Grades 5 and 6 participate in physical education classes and Grades 7 and 8 participate in interscholastic, competitive athletics throughout the school year. Athletics thus take the place of physical education classes in Grades 7 and 8. Varied athletic opportunities emphasize participation, challenge and motivate students to do their best, and possibly further their interests in the upper school.
  • Health 5

    Students participate in physical education classes four days a cycle and attend health class one day a cycle. Health education in fifth grade explores six major topics: nutrition and fitness, family life/growth and development, personal health, drugs, alcohol and tobacco, intentional and unintentional injuries, and community and environmental health. These units are taught with a hands-on approach and supplemented with guest speakers.
  • Health 6

    Students participate in physical education classes four days a cycle and attend health class one day a cycle. Health education in sixth grade explores six major topics: nutrition and fitness, family life/growth and development, personal health, drugs, alcohol and tobacco, intentional and unintentional injuries, and community and environmental health. These units are taught with a hands-on approach and supplemented with guest speakers.
  • Health & Wellness

    This required year-long course for seventh and eighth-grade students concentrates on issues of wellness and on the concept of health as a continuum. Topics discussed throughout the semester include: fitness and nutrition, communicable and chronic diseases, drugs, alcohol and tobacco issues, body systems, eating disorders, character education (resisting peer pressure, internet safety, and peer interactions) as well as other current health topics. The class lessons will be supplemented by guest speakers, novels, and hands-on lessons. All students are required to take this course during either the seventh or eighth-grade year. 
  • Physical Education 5

    Students participate in physical education classes four days a cycle and attend health class one day a cycle. Physical education emphasizes building physical and social skills to ensure good teamwork. Students learn the rules and skills of the sports in which they will participate for their remaining years at Sanford.
  • Physical Education 6

    Students participate in physical education classes six days a cycle and attend health class one day a cycle. At Sanford, participation, commitment, dedication and a strong work ethic toward skills that will help students achieve success in interscholastic competition are emphasized. Daily lessons incorporate physical fitness as students learn the rules and skills of the sports in which they will participate for their remaining years at Sanford.

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