Athletics

Athletics are an integral part of the George School experience. Students are required to participate in team sports each year. The exception is that seniors may choose to do a team activity (such as a theater production) in place of a team sport. George School teams play many area Quaker schools in the Friends Schools League and other local public and independent schools. Participation on a team builds community spirit by providing an ideal arena for students to learn and understand the values of cooperation, sharing, teamwork, sportsmanship, motivation, responsibility, respect, and discipline. Students learn what it means to work towards a common goal. The athletic experience is a wonderful opportunity for coaches and athletes to develop positive and rewarding relationships. George School provides numerous sports at varying levels of competition for students to find success.

*additional fee

Athletic Trainig Aide Program

George School's certified athletic trainer oversees all student trainers. Each student athletic training aide works with a team and is present at every practice and game, both home and away. Students become certified in CPR and AED usage. Athletic training aides receive team sport credit.

Physical Education

The physical education program encourages students to participate in recreational activities and to value physical fitness as an important part of their overall health. While students develop basic skills and build self-confidence through participation in a variety of activities, the classes also emphasize sportsmanship, empathy, and cooperation among the students. Because regular physical activity is essential to good health and a well-balanced life, students are required to take a physical education class in each term when not part of a team sport. Seniors and students who have a class in every arrangement every term are the exceptions; they are allowed one term off from physical activity. Students who are enrolled in dance as their arts course need not take a physical education class. Frequently offered physical education courses include Volleyball, Personal Conditioning, Tennis, Basketball, Golf, Aerobics, CPR Training, Yoga, Lifeguard Training, and Ultimate Frisbee. A Lifeguard Training course is also offered to students at an additional cost. Students must be fifteen years old by the completion of the course (usually June 1) to enroll. All classes are coeducational and often contain students of different ages and skill levels. Classes meet three times per week for forty-five minutes. Students are expected to attend all classes and wear appropriate athletic clothing. Each class begins with a period of physical exercise that emphasizes cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, and strength. Running, small games, warm-up drills, and stretching are used to help develop physical conditioning and fundamentals.

Net Sports

Students learn the basic skills and strategy of three sports: badminton, volleyball, and Olympic team handball. Each class begins with a physical fitness period, which includes a variety of exercises that help to develop abdominal and muscular strength, flexibility, and cardio-respiratory endurance. Each sport unit ends with an intramural tournament. The goals for each individual are to develop simple ways to stay physically fit, to learn how to play each game, to develop a lifelong enjoyment for the activities, to build confidence, and to reach one’s own potential as an athlete. Students learn about teamwork, perseverance, empathy, respect for each individual, and the importance of belief in oneself as capable athlete.

Offered in the PE Block

Recreational Sports

Each class chooses three sports to play over the course of the term. Frequently chosen sports include soccer, basketball, and floor hockey. Each student has the opportunity to improve his or her individual skill level. Following the technical work, students play games to utilize the skills that were taught. Over the course of the term students not only improve their sport ability, but increase their confidence and gain insight into how to maintain lifelong physical activity.

Offered in the PE Block

Core Strength

Students enrolled in this class utilize diaphragmatic breathing in combination with abdominal workouts and Pilates exercises to increase core strength and flexibility. Students create individual fitness goals to work toward over the course of the term. Students develop confidence in themselves as they learn about their fitness levels, physical capabilities, and the importance of remaining active over the course of their life.

Offered in the PE Block

Personal Conditioning

Students enrolled in Personal Conditioning improve cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength and tone, and core strength utilizing the weight room. Individual workout routines are created in conjunction with the teacher to meet the needs of each student, allowing participants to work out at their own level.

Offered in the PE Block

Aerobics

Aerobics combines cardiovascular, stretching, and strength training routines in order to improve all elements of fitness. Aerobics is performed to music and led by an instructor. Participants are able to perform exercises according to their fitness levels. Specific activities vary according to student interest and have included slideboard, Pilates with theraband, step aerobics, and floor exercises.

Offered in the PE Block

Gardening

Students who participate in the gardening class are responsible for watering, weeding and maintaining beds, turning mulch pile and spreading it into the beds, picking and delivering seasonal produce, and erecting/dismantling growing structures. In addition to the anaerobic and physical benefits of the work, students learn about making healthy eating choices and increase their self-confidence.

Offered in the PE Block in Terms 1 and 3

Yoga

Class begins with opening intention and reflection. This is followed by Yoga postures, movements, and reflection, and closes with meditation and breathing exercises. Students who participate in the yoga class improve body awareness, strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and learn breathing and mindfulness techniques that improve coping skills in everyday life.

Offered after school in Term 1. Preference given to upperclassmen.

Ultimate Frisbee

Students learn the basic rules, diverse throws and tactical aspects of the popular sport of Ultimate Frisbee. Participants are expected to be in good enough shape to play full-field games during practices. The class meets for an hour three afternoons a week.

Offered after school in Term 1. Preference given to upperclassmen.

Weight Training

Students learn proper technique for weight training exercises using both machines and free weights. All major muscle groups are covered. Students are encouraged to set goals, and work at the rate appropriate for their ability and experience level. The opportunity to improve core strength and cardiovascular strength also exists.

Offered as a specialty PE in the PE Block. Preference given to upperclassmen.