Sport and Physical Education Requirements
Why does George School have a Sport and Physical Education Requirement?
GS promotes long term health and physical fitness by requiring students to participate in competitive sports and in physical education classes. George School seeks to educate the whole student, both intellectually and physically: a sound body can help promote a sound mind. Organized physical activities, whether in a team sport context or in a physical education class, help students to be part of a group that they might not otherwise experience. These activities can be great stress relievers even as they help students learn to take risks, to take a chance on themselves and on those around them. The activities promote community in that students work together, discovering and playing to their own strengths and to the strengths of others as they seek a common goal. In a physical education class, on a developmental squad and even at the elite varsity level, there is a sense of continuing revelation as students reach new levels fitness and skills, learn to overcome setbacks and revel in their successes. Sports and physical education can forge lifelong friendships. They teach many life lessons that shape students not only during their George School experience but also for many years to come.
Requirements by Grade
FreshmenFreshmen are required to play two team sports and take one physical education class, or play three sports. One sport must be played in the fall season.
SophomoresNew Sophmores
New sophomores are required to play two team sports and take one physical education class, or play three team sports. One sport must be played in the fall season.
Returning Sophmores
Returning sophomores are required to play at least one team sport. For any term in which a student is not playing a sport, he or she is expected to enroll in a physical education class. There are two exceptions: first, if the student is enrolled in dance he or she must take one sport, but is not required to enroll in a physical education class; second, any student with no free arrangements over the course of the year is eligible to take either the winter or spring term off from sports and physical education classes.
Juniors
Juniors are required to play at least one team sport. They are strongly encouraged to fulfill this requirement in the fall term. For any term in which a student is not playing a sport, he or she is expected to enroll in a physical education class. There are two exceptions: first, if the student is enrolled in dance he or she must take one sport, but is not required to enroll in a physical education class; second, any student with no free arrangements over the course of the year is eligible to take either the winter or spring term off from sports and physical education classes.
SeniorsSeniors must participate in two terms of physical activity (team sport, PE class, or dance). Students who elect not to take a sport or dance must choose an alternate team activity (after school theater, orchestra, chorale, stagecraft, newspaper, or yearbook). These alternate activities do not fulfill the physical activity requirement (i.e., students who choose a team activity that is not a sport must take two terms of physical education). Seniors are strongly encouraged to take their team sport/activity in the fall term.