In Entrance Class through 4th grade students take Physical Education classes in their homeroom groups, in 5th and 6th grade boys and girls are taught in separate classes mixed from different homerooms. In Entrance Class, students receive one hour, in 1st through 3rd grade two hours and in 4th through 6th grade three hours of instruction. In 3rd grade P.E. is taught as a year-long swimming program.
Physical Education offers the possibility of social interaction through international games and activities taught in both languages, drawing on special events and holidays from both cultures. Besides the highly important issue of physical movement, the development of social skills, fairness and integration of weaker or handicapped children is especially emphasized.
Individual growth in these areas is furthered as well: helpfulness, respect, fairness and the development of a positive attitude towards achievement and effort are encouraged. Self esteem, as well as enjoyment of movement, games and competition increase with individual progress.
Physical Education at this young age can provide means of preventing some of the ill effects of the increasingly sedentary habits of today’s children. In the long run, it offers opportunities for athletic recreation and, in combination with the many available extracurricular activities, contributes to a life long interest in sports.
The JFKS High School Sports program is directly geared at the idea of a bicultural and bi-national education, its main goals are:
Three periods of regular instruction per week are scheduled for all students in 7th through 10th grade. In 11th and 12th grade, students meet once a week for a double-period of P.E..
P.E. is taught in groups which are composed of different class sections with students of different cultural and language background. The application of various organizational methods promotes permanent interaction and cooperation between students.
The Sports Department uses the German curriculum (Rahmenplan) as its foundation and supplements the program to enhance the benefits for the students. Therefore, the special JFKS curriculum includes a wide variety of sport disciplines from both the German and American cultures. Typical American sports (American Football, Flag Football, Softball, Lacrosse, Basketball, Cross Country) as well as typical German sports (Apparatus Gymnastics, Team Handball, Soccer) are offered. The German curriculum provides general guidelines allowing for teacher flexibility.
In 8th grade, all students participate in the 8th Grade Ski Trip.
