FITNESS AND WELLNESS The goal of the Castilleja Fitness and Wellness program is to empower students with the knowledge that will enable them to make informed choices for lifelong fitness, health, and well-being.
Middle School Courses Fitness & Wellness 6 In Fitness 6, students engage in a variety of developmentally appropriate units, including cooperative games, swimming, team and individual sports such as tchoukball, track and field, pickleball, and striking and fielding. Fitness components are integrated into all units. Emphasis is placed on acquisition and improvement of movement skills through sequential learning and then applied in activities or games. Students have opportunities for creativity and self-expression while collaborating on group routines in the Acro-Yoga and Circus units. Using the “Girl Meets World” curriculum, Wellness units give students the opportunity to engage in discussions, connect with peers, share authentically, practice skills through role play, learn skills related to overall social and emotional health, and reflect on their individual journey. Students participate in a series of lessons and activities to promote healthy choices about emotional health, communication, relationships, time management, and human growth and development. Students acquire the knowledge and skills needed to care for their developing minds. Castilleja has partnered with sexual educator and founder of “Give the Talk” Julia Feldman-DeCoudreaux to present grade-level information around sexuality, relationships, boundaries and consent. In this partnership, Wellness classes continue conversations initiated by the students. It is designed to be a safe, inclusive way for students to find reliable, responsible information. Each class has time allocated to the practice of mindfulness, relaxation and gratitude. Fitness & Wellness 7 In Fitness 7, students participate in a variety of developmentally appropriate units, including Aquatics, Ultimate, basketball, badminton, softball/cricket and lacrosse. Fitness activities focusing on the many health and skill-related components of fitness are integrated in all units. The overall content of the curriculum emphasizes acquiring and improving skills, and a gradual introduction of strategies and tactics, which are then applied in activities and games. Students have opportunities for creativity and self-expression while collaborating on group routines in the Zumba unit. In Wellness, activities and discussion focus on creating clear communication skills to express feelings, work through conflict and build supportive friendships. Class lessons incorporate an examination of friendship dynamics, media literacy and body image literacy. Through partner work, small and large group discussions, individual and collaborative activities, students develop a deeper understanding of effective ways to communicate personal values and needs. Castilleja has partnered with sexual educator and founder of “Give the Talk” Julia Feldman-DeCoudreaux to present grade-level information around sexuality, relationships, boundaries and consent. In this partnership, Wellness classes continue conversations initiated by the students. It is designed to be a safe, inclusive way for students to find reliable, responsible information. Each class has time allocated to the practice of mindfulness, relaxation and gratitude. Fitness & Wellness 8 In Fitness 8, students engage in a variety of fitness units that further their earlier Middle School experiences and bridge to the Upper School curriculum. Fitness blocks incorporate exercises that target both skill and healthrelated components of fitness, and in particular, students become more familiar with cardiovascular and muscular strength training through experiences with a diverse range of fitness equipment. Some of these workouts are intertwined with team games in a station format, while others occur in the fitness center. Units in field hockey and flag football extend the invasion games units experienced in sixth and seventh grade fitness. Unique to eighth grade are units introducing yoga, indoor cycling, and climbing.
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