Health & Physical Education

Welcome to Health & Physical Education!

Department Head - Krista Nicholls (nichollskr@hdsb.ca)

Athletic Banquet Presentation

Course Options for Health & Physical Education

Grade 9

Grade 9, Healthy Active Living Education (Open) – PPL1OF (female)/PPL1OM (male)
In this course you will participate in a wide variety of physical activities (low organized games, swimming, badminton, fitness, etc.) and your health units will be about substance use and abuse, personal safety and conflict management, and health sexuality.

Grade 9, Personal Activities and Fitness (Open), PAF 1O1 (all gender)
This course is an all gender course which focuses on individual activities and fitness. Unlike the PPL1OF/M course, the focus of this course is not on team based activities/sports. Students will participate in swimming, archery, badminton, yoga, and strength training. There will be a large emphasis on fitness. The health units will be about substance use and abuse, personal safety and conflict management, and health sexuality.


Grade 10

Grade 10, Healthy Active Living Education (Open) – PPL2OF (female)/PPL2OM (male)
This course is very similar to the Grade 9 PPL 1OF/M option. You will participate in a wide variety of physical activities (low organized games, badminton, fitness, etc.) and your health units will be about nutrition, body image, substance use and abuse, and health sexuality.

Grade 10, Personal Activities and Fitness (Open) – PAF2O1 (all gender)
This course is an all gender course which focuses on individual activities and fitness. Unlike the PPL2OF/M course, the focus of this course is not on team based activities/sports. Students will participate in swimming, archery, badminton, yoga, and strength training. There will be a large emphasis on fitness. The health units will be about nutrition, body image, substance use and abuse, and health sexuality.

Grade 11

Grade 11, Healthy Active Living Education (Open) – PPL3O1 (all gender)

This course is an all gender course which gives students multiple opportunities to participate in a wide variety of physical activity options and sports. There will be one unit on fitness and a health unit which focuses on mental health and personal safety.  

Grade 11, Personal Activities and Fitness (Open) – PAF3O1 (all gender)/PAF3OF (female)
This course is offered as an all gender course and as a females only course. It focuses on individual activities and fitness. The main focus of this course is on fitness and strength training. Students may also participate in swimming, squash, and various fitness related classes such as yoga and pilates. The health units in this course focus on nutrition, mental health, and personal safety.

Grade 11, Outdoor Activities (Open) – PAD3O1 (all gender)
This course focuses on the development of a healthy lifestyle and participation in a variety of outdoor activities that have the potential to engage students’ interest throughout their lives. Students will participate in a variety of outdoor activities and learn the guidelines and skills involved. These activities may include canoeing, hiking, camping, rock climbing, mountain biking, etc. Students will also investigate how to maintain physical, social, and emotional health and wellness. Students in Grade 10, 11, and 12 are encouraged to take this course.

Grade 12

Grade 12, Healthy Active Living Education (Open) – PPL4O1
This course is an all gender course which gives students multiple opportunities to participate in a wide variety of physical activity options and sports. There will be one unit on fitness and a health unit which focuses on healthy relationships, mental health and personal safety. 

Grade 12, Kinesiology (University) – PSK4U1
Kinesiology is the science of human movement. The units of study in this course are anatomy, joints and joint injuries, biomechanics, nutrition, energy systems, the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, training and fitness principles, motor learning, human growth and development, psychology of sport, and philosophy of sport. This course prepares students for university programs in physical education, kinesiology, and health science related programs. A Grade 11 university/college preparation course in science is highly recommended.

Grade 12, Recreation and Fitness Leadership (College/University) – PLF4M1
This course focuses on the development of leadership and coordination skills related to recreational activities. Students will acquire the knowledge and skills required to plan, organize, and implement recreational activities. They will also learn how to promote the value of physical fitness, personal well-being, and personal safety to others through mentoring. This course will prepare students for college/university programs in recreational, leisure, and fitness leadership.