Westminster Athletics
Developing Mind, Body, and Spirit
The core philosophy of Westminster School rests on a belief that the highest levels of individual achievement and fulfillment may best be attained through a balance of mind, body, and spirit, and that the development of each is of the utmost importance. At Westminster, therefore, the Physical Education Program enjoys parity with all other academic and art programs.
Physical Education — Lower School
In addition to daily outdoor recess, lower grade students enjoy daily P.E. classes. Organized activities and games develop general fitness and conditioning, coordination, movement and dance skills, manipulative activities, and game skills. Classes also emphasize age-appropriate health awareness as well as social skills. (Beginning in 4th grade, students participate in Inner Quest, an outdoor challenge program, and starting in 5th grade, students have the opportunity to join after-school teams for league competition in soccer, basketball, soft ball, and track and field. An intramural basketball program is offered during the winter months.)
Middle School
In addition to daily outdoor recess, 3rd – 6th grade students enjoy daily P.E. classes. Organized activities and games develop general fitness and conditioning, coordination, movement and dance skills, manipulative activities, and game skills. Classes also emphasize age-appropriate health awareness as well as social skills. Beginning in 4th grade (second quarter), students participate in Inner Quest, an outdoor challenge program that promotes individual courage and collaborative teamwork, and includes rock climbing, rappelling, and canoeing. In 5th – 6th grades (and continuing through 8th grade), students have the opportunity to join after-school teams for league competition in soccer, basketball, soft ball, and track and field. An intramural basketball program is offered during the winter months.
Upper School
Seventh – 8th grade students enjoy daily P.E. classes. Organized activities and games develop general fitness and conditioning, coordination, manipulative activities, dance, and game/sport skills. Classes also emphasize good character and age-appropriate health and lifestyle awareness. Upper-school students enjoy Inner Quest, an outdoor challenge program that promotes individual courage and collaborative teamwork and culminates in overnight camping trips. In 6th – 8th grades, students have the opportunity to join after-school teams for league competition in soccer, basketball, soft ball, and track and field. An intramural basketball program is offered during the winter months.
Dance Classes
Dance is included in the P.E. curriculum for all students. Third and 4th-grade students are featured in an informal dance showcase each spring. Fifth and 6th graders learn line dances, square dances, and reels, topping it off with a country-themed dance party. Drama productions often include ensemble choreography. Social dancing is taught to all 7th-8th graders as part of the P.E. program. Dance lessons include popular line dances, waltz, jitterbug, and fox trot. Dance parties are held three times a year, including costumes, games, prizes, and lots of boogie-down fun.
