Enhancement Services: Physical Education

Physical Education (P.E.) is a regular part of each student’s educational program at The Vanguard School. Classes take place in the Musser Gymnasium with ample equipment for learning a multitude of physical activities. Our experienced, certified physical education staff plan developmentally appropriate lessons designed to meet the diverse needs of our student population. Students at The Vanguard School demonstrate a broad range of cognitive, motor, sensory, social/emotional and learning differences that may necessitate adaptations in their physical education program. The curriculum, task, and/or environment may be modified so that all children can fully participate regardless of ability. Class sizes are small and often a classroom teaching assistant attends P.E. with the group to facilitate instruction.

The staff also works closely as a team with our physical therapy department to develop individualized programs where needed. When a child demonstrates special motor needs, the types of modifications or specially designed instruction needed is discussed with the IEP team and incorporated in the student’s Individualized Education Program.

In addition to the regular physical education curriculum at The Vanguard School, several special activities provide opportunities for our students to practice and enjoy their skills including:

• Intramural sports and games
• Sports/recreational field trips (such as bowling, snow tubing, and skiing)
• Lower School “Mileage Club" (a walking program for students and staff)
• The Vanguard School Basketball Blast
• Family Fun & Games Nights
• Lower/Primary School Annual Gym Show
• Chester County Special Olympics Track Meet
• Project A.C.E.S. (All Children Exercise Spontaneously) Day
• Field days
• Reward activities

Physical education plays an important role in educating the whole student. Research supports the importance of movement in educating both mind and body. The unique learning opportunities provided through the physical education curriculum emphasize the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to choose an active, healthy lifestyle. A physically educated student will demonstrate motor skills and apply movement concepts to perform a variety of physical activities. The student will participate regularly in physical activities, maintain a health-enhancing level of physical fitness, and demonstrate responsible personal and social behavior in physical activity settings. When the goals of the Physical Education curriculum are achieved, students will be prepared to choose physical activities for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression and/or social interaction.