At Red Deer Lake School, physical education is a vital part of the student experience, helping to promote movement, teamwork, and lifelong fitness. The school takes great pride in its physical education program, ensuring that students of all grade levels have ample opportunities to engage in physical activity.

For junior high students, physical education is a daily occurrence, with 45-minute gym classes scheduled every school day. This consistent exposure to physical activity allows students to develop their motor skills, improve cardiovascular fitness, and engage in various sports and activities. Daily gym classes also promote mental well-being, as regular movement has been shown to reduce stress and enhance focus in academic subjects. The daily structure of physical education at the junior high level ensures that students build confidence in their physical abilities while also reinforcing the value of an active lifestyle.

For students in grades 4 through 6, physical education is scheduled four times in a six-day rotation, with each session lasting 45 minutes. While these students do not have gym every day, they still receive significant opportunities to engage in movement and skill development. This structure helps maintain a balance between physical activity and academic learning, ensuring that students remain active throughout the school week. The curriculum at this level continues to build fundamental movement skills while also introducing students to team sports, cooperative games, and fitness activities that promote overall well-being.

Younger students, in kindergarten through grade 3, have physical education every other day. At this stage, gym classes focus on foundational movement skills such as running, jumping, throwing, and catching. Play-based learning is a key component, as younger students develop coordination, balance, and basic game strategies in a fun and engaging environment. By incorporating movement into their routine at an early age, students in the primary grades establish a strong foundation for physical literacy, which can lead to lifelong participation in sports and recreational activities.

One of the unique aspects of Red Deer Lake’s physical education program is its facility. The school’s gym is nearly the size of a high school gym, providing ample space for students to engage in a wide variety of activities. The large gymnasium allows for flexibility in programming, enabling teachers to introduce sports such as basketball, volleyball, and badminton, as well as fitness circuits, dance, and other movement-based activities. The spacious environment ensures that students can fully participate in lessons without feeling restricted, enhancing their overall experience.

The school follows the Alberta Program of Studies for physical education, ensuring that all instruction aligns with provincial guidelines and learning outcomes. The program is designed to help students develop physical skills, understand the importance of health and wellness, and cultivate positive attitudes toward physical activity. The curriculum includes components related to skill development, personal fitness, fair play, and teamwork, all of which contribute to a well-rounded physical education experience.

Overall, Red Deer Lake’s physical education program is a well-structured and thoughtfully implemented initiative that prioritizes student health, movement, and enjoyment. Through a combination of daily and rotational scheduling, a high-quality facility, and alignment with the Alberta curriculum, the program supports students in developing essential physical skills and habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.

You can view the Alberta Program of Studies here.