Students sign up ONLINE through the SFS Student Portal in the spring for the three seasons in the upcoming school year. Students must sign up for a team or PE class each season. Sign-ups are on a first come first served basis and all PE classes have a capacity. Students new to Sidwell will have a chance in the spring or summer to discuss their choices with the Athletic Department. Note that course offerings are subject to change based on staffing, faculty availability and student registration.
After the fall season of their first year in Upper School, students may apply for an Independent Study in an appropriate physical education activity that is not offered in the curriculum. An exceptionally talented athlete may also apply for an Independent Study in a sport that Sidwell Friends offers through its athletic program with the understanding that if the study is approved, he or she will commit to playing on the school's team as well. Independent Study forms are available online under forms and in the Athletic Department office and must be turned in before the start of the season for which the student is applying (due date is listed on each season's form).
View our Upper School team and course offerings for 2012-13—course descriptions are listed below:
Course Descriptions
Lifetime Fitness:
Students will explore and apply the five fitness components - cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility and body composition in a variety of fitness activities. The main goal of the class is to have students gain an appreciation for physical activity and to learn tools necessary to be fit for a lifetime.
Advanced Conditioning:
A complete exercise program with an emphasis on weight training, endurance and sprint work on the track as well as plyometrics, footwork drills, form running and abdominal work. Designed to address the needs of athletes in the off-season.
Health Class:
This course will serve as an introduction to the many components of understanding health, fitness, and human nutrition. The primary objective of the course is for the students to obtain practical knowledge that can be easily retained and applied both now and later in life, so that they are able to remain fit and healthy over their lifetime. The students will gather this knowledge by discussing the practical issues related to proper nutrition and dieting, such as the effective means for managing body weight and current issues with nutritional supplements. In the process, the students will receive an overview of the fundamental principles of exercise physiology and social psychology.
Daytime PE:
Daytime PE classes are offered during 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 7th periods for those who are free during those periods (1st period on Tuesday and Thursday only and excludes 7th Tuesday or 3rd Thursday). Activities may include individual workout programs, golf, badminton, tennis, basketball or aerobic kickboxing.
Aerobic Kickboxing:
The kickboxing class is based on an aerobic workout. The workout combines arm punches and leg kicks to gain cardiovascular benefits. Offered during the winter after school.
Cardio Class:
Primary focus on the fitness component of cardiovascular endurance. Possible activities include step aerobics, running or cardio-dancing.
Rock Climbing:
Parental permission required for this off campus activity. Limited numbers. Explores the basic principles of rock climbing and climbing safety. Weekly climbs. Offered during the fall only.
Squash Class:
Off campus instructional class with some opportunity for competition. Skills, strategy and rules of play are covered. Offered during the winter only. Experience and preapproval required due to limited space.
Street Hockey:
Skills and strategies are taught. Games played during each class. Offered only during the winter.
Recreational Tennis:
Class includes instruction in basic strokes. Class may be divided into instructional, drill and match play sessions.
Weight Training:
Explores different aspects of fitness. Provides opportunities to weight train and to improve cardio-vascular fitness.
Fall Indoor Games:
Coed recreational activities class held indoors. Class will include a variety of games such as: volleyball, badminton, nuke 'em, basketball, etc.
Winter Games:
Coed recreational activities class held outdoors. Class will include a variety of games such as: soccer, ultimate Frisbee, basketball and touch football.
Spring Indoor Games:
Coed recreational activities class held indoors. Class will include a variety of games such as: badminton, team handball, basketball, etc.
Winter Track:
Progressive training that will serve to improve general conditioning. Running in all weather conditions, both on and off campus. This course may include opportunities for competition. Two sections of this course are offered; one for the novice runner on Tuesdays and Fridays and one for the more serious runner on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Offered during the winter.
Futsal:
Indoor coed recreational class that provides instruction and games.
Yoga:
Designed to explore different aspects related to yoga. Offered during the winter and spring.
Dance
Jazz
This class introduces boys and girls to the basics of Jazz, Afro Jazz and Hip Hop. Students explore multiple ways to warm up the body, developing the strength and articulation necessary for a variety of jazz styles. They also learn to dance with each other, rehearse, and refine movement choices. Special events include master classes with guest artists, informal classroom showings, video viewing and discussion, and performance field trips.
Modern Dance
Modern Dance is an expressive art form that is as physical as it is intellectual. In this class, boys and girls improve their physical articulation and strength while also learning how to improvise, choreograph, and offer critique. Emphasis is placed on both independent work and the collaborative process. Special events include master classes with guest artists, informal classroom showings, video viewing and discussion, and performance fieldtrips. This class is good preparation for involvement in the Dance Ensemble production.
Dance Ensemble
Dance Ensemble is a production class that culminates in a school performance. Students create dances, dance in each other’s work, and perform in the Artistic Director’s projects as well. Class time is spent working on technique, learning improvisation skills and composition methods, rehearsing, showing works-in-progress, and exchanging feedback. Special events include master classes with guest artists, informal classroom showings, video viewing and discussion, and performance fieldtrips.