PE & Health

Play in our Early Childhood Campus

Research has documented that through play (or work) children learn how to problem solve, negotiate, build language skills, increases attention span and yes, have fun. Play is actually a language where children learn how to set boundaries, develop relationships, and learn sequences and consequences. Students have opportunities to play all day long in both structured and unstructured environments.

PE in our Elementary Division

The K-2 physical education (PE) program focuses primarily on motor development and the student’s advancement in building a relationship with fitness and physical activity. With those components at the core of the program, students also receive enrichment in social and emotional learning and practicing what it means to be a good teammate or classmate. The three areas of focus for motor development are locomotor skills, stability skills, and manipulative skills.

Physical education in 3-5 focuses on developing four physical skills (overhead throwing, catching, striking and running to kick a ball), all of which focus on body mechanics, spatial awareness, and effort/force. In addition, we focus on developing two social skills: teamwork (including listening, questioning, persuading, respecting, helping, sharing, and participating) and sportsmanship (which combine skills of honesty, fairness, respect, and graciousness in winning and losing). The students engage in a variety of fun, athletic, team-building activities that allow for repetition, which helps in the development of all these skills. On a daily basis the students engage in stretching and calisthenics, to help build a strong foundation for skill development. Dance activities help to promote rhythm and timing, while circus activities enhance balance, timing, hand-eye coordination, flexibility, and physical strength.

PE in our Middle School

The Middle School physical education curriculum centers around developing four physical skills and two social/emotional skills. The physical skills are overhead throwing, catching, striking and running to kick a ball, all of which focus on body mechanics, spatial awareness, effort/force, and the relationship between objects that are thrown, caught, struck, or kicked. The social/emotional skills are teamwork (listening, questioning, persuading, respecting, helping, sharing, and participating) and sportsmanship (which combine skills of honesty, fairness, respect, and graciousness in winning and losing). On a daily basis the students engage in stretching and calisthenics, to help improve cardio, flexibility, agility, and muscle development.

Health in our Middle School

Our comprehensive health education program addresses the physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects of health. Students keep an online health journal through the use of Google Classroom to explore their beliefs and understandings around subject matter content. Students also have ample time for group and partner discussion. 6th graders study drugs, decision making, bullying, and harassment. In the 7th grade, students learn about nutrition and physical activity, social media, and become certified in CPR and first aid. 8th graders study relationships, human diversity and social justice standards, and mental health.

The Berkeley School welcomes students of any race, color, religion, gender identity or expressionsexual orientation, ability, and national or ethnic origin and accords them all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally made available to students at The Berkeley School. TBS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ability, and national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, employment policies, scholarship programs, and athletic or other school administered programs. 

Our Mission

Ignite Curious Minds
Awaken Generous Hearts
Engage a Changing World

K - 8 Campus

1310 University Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94702
(510) 665-8800

Early Childhood Campus

2030 Francisco Street
Berkeley, CA 94709
(510) 849-8340

The Berkeley School welcomes students of any race, color, religion, gender identity or expressionsexual orientation, ability, and national or ethnic origin and accords them all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally made available to students at The Berkeley School. TBS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ability, and national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, employment policies, scholarship programs, and athletic or other school administered programs. 

Ignite Curious Minds
Awaken Generous Hearts
Engage a Changing World

K - 8 Campus

1310 University Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94702
(510) 665-8800

Early Childhood Campus

2030 Francisco Street
Berkeley, CA 94709
(510) 849-8340

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