Physical and Health Education

BCD offers physical education and movement to all preschool through eighth grade students. We are firmly committed to the philosophy of "sound body, sound mind" as the development of the body and the development of the mind go hand in hand. Cognitive development is enhanced when balanced with a healthy lifestyle. The PE program is geared to inspire young adults to take interest in their health and physical fitness and is designed with the idea of developing the whole child.

PE is more than playing games. During the primary years, there are many coordination and movement skills that must be acquired to be successful in the future years. The necessary elements of physical education include motor skills and movement patterns, knowledge and understanding, social emotional learning, and health related fitness. Like other academic courses offered at BCD, physical education encourages students to explore new challenges, take risks, and ask questions.

Consistent with the Colorado Model Content Standards for Physical Education, as well as the SHAPE America’s National Standards, students must engage in several different types of physical activities and learning. The curriculum fulfills the national and state standards and prepares students to accept future challenges in PE, supporting their lifelong learning.

Sportsmanship, teamwork, attitude, and effort are paramount to the success of students and athletes. Instructors teach, emphasize, and support students as they learn to participate competitively while also honoring the game with respect and responsibility. Students take responsibility not only for their actions, but also for their physical development which in turn, promotes confidence and enhanced leadership skills.

In Middle School IB Physical and Health Education, students complete two trimesters in PE along with one full trimester in Health. According to the IB MYP: “Through physical and health education, students can learn to appreciate and respect the ideas of others and develop effective collaboration and communication skills. This subject area also offers many opportunities to build positive interpersonal relationships that can help students to develop a sense of social responsibility. At their best, physical and health education courses develop the enjoyment, engagement, and confidence in physical activity that students need to achieve and maintain a balanced, healthy life.”

BCD also uses its PE program to stimulate interest in our various individual and team sports. Many students, who otherwise would not consider joining a competitive team, gain the confidence and the skills to participate with various teams and enjoy continued success at the competitive level. This philosophy has led to over 85% of BCD 5th – 8th grade students participating in the middle school competitive sports program at our school as well as various club teams.