At Spring Hill School, we believe that physical education is critical to educating the whole child, and that all students in grades K-8 should engage in physical activities on a daily basis. In addition to providing two morning recesses and a hour break for lunch and playtime, students are taught P.E. in the regular curriculum and have the opportunity to participate in optional after school athletics.

We believe that students perform better in school when they are emotionally and physically healthy. They have better attendance, higher concentration and are less likely to exhibit behavior problems. At Spring Hill, students learn in an intellectually challenging environment that is physically and emotionally safe for students and adults.

Physical education at Spring Hill School addresses the cognitive, social and physical development and skills of the child. Our goal is to teach our students to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for a lifetime of physical activity.

Spring Hill School teaches its students:

• Motor skills and movement patterns needed to perform a variety of physical activities
• To participate regularly in physical activity
• To exhibit responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others in sports settings
• To see the value in physical activity for health, challenge, self-expression and social interaction
• How to improve their physical fitness - find an activity they enjoy.
• How to Integrate physical activity with other areas of study.
• To learn self-discipline and to improve and trust their own judgment.
• How to use physical activity to manage and reduce stress.
• How to strengthen peer relations, gain self-confidence and build self-esteem.
• How to set and attain goals.
• The importance of physical activity as a life long goal to promote wellness and fight obesity.
 

TEAM SPORTS:

Spring Hill's sports teams include co-ed flag football, girls and boys basketball, co-ed soccer, and girls and boys volleyball.

Spring Hill offers after-school sports five days a week throughout the school year. Indoor sports will take place 3-5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the Circle Church Gym. Meanwhile, outdoor sports will be offered mostly on Spring Hill School grounds Tuesdays and Thursdays.

SPECIALIZED P.E. AND ACTIVITIES BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

• Aikido
• Pinnacles National Monument - Camping, backpacking, day hikes.
• River Rafting - Water skills, rafting skills, hiking, camping
• Catalina Island Adventure Trip - camping, hiking
• Elkhorn Slough - Kayaking
• Rock Climbing - Pacific Edge -  students learn the skills to pass the Belay Certification Test for rock climbing.
  

Camping and Kayaking trips provide our students opportunities for personal growth and bonding that might not be available in their daily lives. Adventures with classmates - conquering anxieties, experiencing day-long hikes, camping, cooking outdoors, being away from home and relying on friends for support - expose students to new challenges. Rock Climbing combines balance, flexibility, strength, and focus providing a physical and mental challenge Students learn to see each other - and their teachers - in a different light.

Aikido develops the body in a unique manner. Aerobic fitness is obtained through vigorous training. Flexibility of the joints and connective tissues is developed through various stretching exercises and through the techniques themselves. Relaxation is learned automatically, since without it the techniques will not function.