Physical Education
The objectives of the Physical Education and Athletics Department are:
- to improve health and physical fitness through a broad range of activities and sports
- to develop and improve physical skills and abilities
- to foster an appreciation of play and the use of leisure time
- to provide equal programs and equal opportunities for boys and girls
- to encourage in students the qualities of fair play and sportsmanship
- to teach students the basic rules and concepts of various sports
- to help students develop commitment, discipline, teamwork, cooperation, self-confidence, and work ethic
McLean School is a member of the Potomac Valley Athletic Conference (PVAC). The School participates in a number of league sports at both Upper School and Middle School levels.
The school’s athletic program offers many teams for students in grades 5 — 12. In the fall, boys soccer, girls volleyball and cross-country for both girls and boys are offered. In the winter, basketball and wrestling are offered for boys and girls. In the spring, boys lacrosse, girls softball and boys and girls track and field are available.
Lower School
Daily physical education classes provide activities that are fun, promote healthy exercise, introduce games that utilize basic locomotor movements, provide cooperative play, and support good sportsmanship. Skills that require basic locomotor movements are introduced at the beginning of the school year and are followed by activities that concentrate on throwing, catching, kicking, striking, balance, tumbling, and spatial awareness. Basic concepts of physical fitness and healthy living are discussed. Students in grades 3 and 4 begin to play lead-up games to many sports.
Middle School
Classes in grades 5 and 6 teach and refine a variety of skills through many different activities. Students play lead-up games and learn the basic strategies associated with many sports. Some basic fitness concepts are introduced, and students take a modified form of the Presidential Physical Fitness Test in both fall and spring. Physical education classes meet every day; during one semester, one day each week is devoted to health education.
Grades 7 and 8 experience two - to four-week mini units. Most units are sports related, such as soccer and football, while others focus on a group of games with a common theme, such as racquet sports. The basic skills of these sports are practiced and incorporated into small group games and full class scrimmages; students learn the basic strategies associated with many games. Fitness concepts are stressed, and students take a modified form of the Presidential Physical Fitness Test in fall and spring. Physical education is offered every day; one day each week, throughout the year, is dedicated to health education.
Upper School
Students are required to earn two credits of physical education in order to graduate. Credit can be earned in one of three ways: interscholastic team participation, physical education class, or independent physical education contract. To earn credit through participation on a school team (1/3 credit per season), a student must commit fully to the team and adhere to all athletic department and team rules. Physical education classes meet at the end of the school day; a weight training/conditioning class is offered each season, and if there is sufficient interest the class may include a game component. An independent contract, offered only for an activity not available through the school and in which the student has shown previous interest, requires the student to be under the direction of an instructor/coach in a supervised activity for a minimum of three hours per week.