Physical Education and Health
Students learn best when they are physically as well as intellectually active. At Maybeck, students can take a range of PE classes, all of which emphasize physical and emotional fitness more than competition. Some students complete their PE requirement outside of school, playing on sports teams or taking classes independently. Our Health curriculum empowers students to understand themselves and their values as they learn about various topics that enrich their awareness of the world and inform their decision making in high school and beyond.
Requirements
Students are required to take three semesters of Physical Education and one semester of Health.
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Health
Health is a survey course addressing a wide variety of health-related subjects such as social and emotional well-being, nutrition, physical activity, alcohol/tobacco/other drugs, STI prevention, sexuality, gender, consent and boundaries. The goal is for students to emerge from this course with a stronger sense of themselves - their own values and knowledge of various health topics - which can enliven their awareness of the world and inform decision making.
Basketball
“Be the best version of yourself in everything you do. You don’t have to live anyone else’s story.” — Steph Curry
Students will spend time improving their individual basketball skills, learning to play as a team, getting exercise, and having fun. This is a class for everyone, so no experience is necessary.
Yoga
Yoga is a meditative process of self-discovery that emphasizes postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), stress relief and relaxation. Yoga helps us to become aware of our thoughts, feelings, and beliefs, and to change them when they no longer serve us. The yoga asanas become a context for us to explore our inner worlds and to witness ourselves change. Each time we stand on our yoga mat or sit on a meditation cushion, we have the opportunity to discover who we truly are and what intentions we wish to cultivate.
Hiking
Hiking class consists of a series of urban walks and dirt trail hikes in and around Berkeley. Each class we set off from Maybeck in a different direction and do an ‘out-and-back’ or a ‘loop back’ to school. In this PE elective, Students will take leadership roles, crafting and leading interesting routes, supporting each other in developing skills as tour guides, topographical map readers, and group discussion leaders. We will explore the local neighborhoods, UC Berkeley campus, nearby fire trails, and the Berkeley Hills, as well as areas further afield. Hiking provides good exercise, a refreshing break from the classroom, and a moment of rejuvenation.
Ultimate Frisbee
Ultimate is a fast growing sport that combines soccer's field sense with basketball's quick throws and hand eye coordination. We'll head out to Willard field and learn how to throw, catch, and play lots of fun games. If you're thinking of playing on Maybeck's spring Ultimate team, this is a great place to develop and hone your skills...or just come for a good time in the sun.
Independent PE
Independent PE at Maybeck allows students to receive 5 units of credit for Physical Education per semester. Students must complete a total of 60 hours within a semester. That’s roughly four hours of activity per week to stay on pace. Students submit log sheets, noting the type of activity and time spent with required signatures from a parent/guardian or coach. Check with the Academic Dean (Jonathan) or Director of Outdoor Education (Trevor) to see if your physical activity is approved for Indie PE. You can do one activity for the whole semester or mix in a variety. At least 30 hours should be an organized activity. Over the years, some of the activities that students have done have included dance, soccer, yoga, gymnastics, rowing, sailing, circus arts, rock climbing, hiking, bicycling to school, mountain bike racing, yoga, swimming, stretching, running, weightlifting, martial arts, ultimate Frisbee, and working out at the gym.
