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Physical Education

Physical Education at Maret emphasizes the habits and skills that support fitness and overall well-being. Hard work, fair play, and cooperation are taught at every grade level, K-12.

Goals

At Maret, we establish habits of healthy physical activity and fitness skills that will last a lifetime.  We want students at every level to build skills, increase their confidence, and have fun!

How We Teach

Our lessons are designed to involve all children, encourage physical activity, incorporate social skills, and emphasize health, fitness, and skill development.  

Maret is one of the only independent schools in the Washington, DC area that requires every student, every year, to participate in some form of physical education. We are committed to helping each student find the confidence, passion, and skill to make physical activity a lifelong commitment.

The Physical Education Department spans all three divisions. PE faculty and coaches value the opportunity to help students grow throughout their time at Maret.

students jumping in PE class

Curriculum Snapshot

LOWER SCHOOL

Lower school physical education classes are held for 30 minutes four times a week. A systematic progression through the locomotor skills leads to use of paddles, scoops, and rackets. Games are introduced using the skills developed. Each year, more complex movements, skills, and game strategies are introduced.

Social-emotional learning is incorporated into every lesson in age appropriate ways. Working with classmates, celebrating each other's abilities, and experiencing the joy of physical activity are at the center of the program.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

In Middle School, FIFTH AND SIXTH GRADERS learn team skills and game strategies in physical education class. In order to spark student interest, a wide range of sports are introduced, including badminton, pickleball, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, and floor hockey. We encourage competition and help students learn to win and lose graciously.

In SEVENTH AND EIGHTH GRADES, students of all abilities expand upon these skills in interscholastic team sports—soccer, football, cross country, volleyball, basketball, baseball, softball, and lacrosse. Coaches introduce the language, system of play, and skill development the players will need when they enter the upper school program.

UPPER SCHOOL

Upper School team sports continue to be central to Maret’s education through high school. The majority of students participate on at least one team, and many play multiple seasons.

Students not interested in a team sport may fulfill their requirement with a strength and conditioning or yoga class offered after school, or receive independent credit for an activity in which they are involved outside of school.  


Special Programs

Lifetime Fitness Class
(Upper School PE)

Outside of our athletic programs, students have the option each season to participate in our lifetime fitness class. This course uses our outdoor space and weight room with selectorized strength equipment to promote a safe and active lifestyle. Sessions combine strength training, cardiovascular health, and fitness centered games/activities into a well-rounded program that allows students to focus on daily growth and track personal progress.

Focusing on personal growth rather than peer comparison results in greater confidence and continued interest in exercise beyond their high school years.

Yoga
(Middle and Upper School PE)

Middle school yoga (grades 7/8) exposes students to as many modalities of the tradition as possible. Some of the modalities covered include traditional flow (working on various shapes and transitions), asana (hand balances, backbends, etc.), and occasionally meditation (both moving and seated). 

Upper school yoga focuses on the restorative and yin aspects of the practice. Composed of longer holds designed to open the body and decompress the mind, the practice is geared towards helping students unwind from their day and rejuvenate before leaving school. When not focused on restorative holds with props, time is spent working on deeper flexibility.

And This Is Just the Beginning!