Secondary Physical & Health Education

BCPS Secondary Physical Education

In middle and high school, Physical Education expands upon the foundational skills developed in elementary school by transitioning students into more advanced applications of fitness, sport, strategy, and personal wellness. Students refine movement competency through specialized courses in fitness, team sports, individual and dual sports, wellness education, and other activity-based offerings that promote higher-level skill execution, tactical understanding, and sport-specific knowledge. Coursework is designed to challenge students physically and cognitively while emphasizing strategic thinking, teamwork, and personal accountability.

Secondary students also develop a deeper understanding of health-related fitness principles, exercise science, goal setting, personal fitness planning, and lifelong physical activity strategies. As students mature, they are encouraged to take ownership of their personal wellness by applying fitness principles, analyzing performance, utilizing technology, and making informed decisions that positively impact their health. BCPS Physical Education aims to prepare every student not only for success in school athletics and recreation, but to leave high school with the knowledge and habits needed to pursue lifelong physical, mental, and social well-being.

PE Legislation

Secondary Physical Education Curriculum Maps

6th Grade Fitness Curriculum Map

PE 6th Grade Fitness Curriculum Map

6th & 7th Grade Comprehensive Curriculum Map

The purpose of this course is to provide a foundation of knowledge and skills necessary for the development of a physically active lifestyle. The course addresses both the health and skill-based components of physical fitness, by providing a variety of movement opportunities which include but are not limited to fitness activities and team sports. This course includes content necessary for optimal development of adolescents such as resiliency education: civic and character education and life skills education as well as substance use and abuse prevention.

6th-7th Comprehensive Curriculum Map

7th-8th Grade Comprehensive Curriculum Map

7th Grade Team Sports

This course is designed for 7th grade students and is intended to be 18 weeks in length. The purpose of this course is to develop the physical skills necessary to be competent in many forms of movement, knowledge of team sports concepts such as offensive and defensive strategies and tactics, and appropriate social behaviors within a team or group setting. The integration of fitness concepts throughout the content is critical to the success of this course.

7th Grade Team Sports

8th Grade Individual-Dual Sports-Curriculum Map

This course is designed for 8th grade students and is intended to be 18 weeks in length. The purpose of this course is to develop the physical skills necessary to be competent in many forms of movement, knowledge of individual and dual sports concepts such as offensive and defensive strategies and tactics, and appropriate social behaviors within physical activities. The integration of fitness concepts throughout the content is critical to the success of this course.

8th Grade Individual-Dual Sports-Curriculum Map

8th Grade Wellness Education-Curriculum Map

This semester-long Wellness Education course is designed for 8th grade students, the purpose of which is to further develop the knowledge, skills and values to enhance healthy behaviors that influence lifestyle choices and student health and fitness. Students will realize the full benefit of this course when it is taught with an integral approach.

8th Grade Wellness Education-Curriculum Map

HOPE-Physical Education Variation

The purpose of this course is to develop and enhance behaviors that influence healthy lifestyle choices, student health, and physical fitness. Students will combine learning principles and background knowledge in a classroom setting with physical application.
The majority of this course should be spent engaging in physical activity. Students will realize the full benefit of this course when it is taught with an integrated approach. In addition to the physical education content represented in the benchmarks below, specific
health education topics within this course include, but are not limited to: Injury Prevention and Safety, Internet Safety, Nutrition, Personal health, Prevention and Control of Disease, Substance Use and Abuse Prevention, Awareness of the Benefits of Abstinence, Prevention of Teen Dating Violence and Abuse, Resiliency Education.

HOPE-Physical Education Curriculum Map

Secondary Health Education

At the secondary level, Health Education builds upon elementary foundations by providing students with more advanced instruction related to personal wellness, disease prevention, mental health, and responsible life choices. Coursework is designed to equip students with practical knowledge and critical-thinking skills needed to navigate increasingly complex health-related situations throughout adolescence and adulthood.

Secondary Health Education emphasizes:

Physical, mental, emotional, and social health development
Nutrition, fitness, and disease prevention strategies
Substance use and abuse prevention education
Healthy relationships, conflict resolution, and resiliency
Consumer, community, and environmental health awareness
CPR and First Aid instruction to develop emergency preparedness and life-saving response skills

As students progress through middle and high school, instruction becomes increasingly focused on real-world application, empowering students to analyze influences on health behaviors, make informed decisions, advocate for their well-being, and develop habits that support lifelong health and success. Additionally, secondary students receive instruction in CPR and First Aid to help develop the confidence and preparedness necessary to respond effectively in emergency situations, reinforcing the importance of safety, responsibility, and community care. Health Education instruction aligns with Florida’s required comprehensive health education standards outlined in Section 1003.42, Florida Statutes.

Health Education Statutory Requirements

Quick Links

Secondary Physical Education Informational

We want all middle and high school students to gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to stay active and healthy for life.
We support schools in making sure middle school students take at least one semester of PE, and high school students earn at least one PE credit, as required by Florida law.
We also offer training, teamwork, and leadership opportunities for all secondary PE teachers.

Florida PE Standards

The Florida Physical Education (PE) Standards can be found on a website called CPALMS. CPALMS is an online toolbox full of helpful information, trusted resources, and interactive tools for teachers. It helps teachers use the standards in their lessons. CPALMS is also the official website where the State of Florida shares its standards and course descriptions.

Florida PE Standards

K-12 Physical Education Progression Plans

Middle: 6th, 7th, and 8th grade FS 1003.455: “Beginning with the 2009-2010 school year, the equivalent of one class period per day of physical education for one semester of each year is required for students enrolled in grades 6 through 8.”

High School: Grades 9-12 FS 1003.42.82: One credit in physical education.—Physical education must include the integration of health. Participation in an interscholastic sport at the junior varsity or varsity level for two full seasons shall satisfy the one-credit requirement in physical education. A district school board may not require that the one credit in physical education be taken during the 9th grade year. Completion of one semester with a grade of “C” or better in a marching band class, in a physical activity class that requires participation in marching band activities as an extracurricular activity, or in a dance class shall satisfy one-half credit in physical education or one-half credit in performing arts. This credit may not be used to satisfy the personal fitness requirement or the requirement for adaptive physical education under an individual education plan (IEP) or 504 plan. Completion of 2 years in a Reserve Officer Training Corps (R.O.T.C.) class, a significant component of which is drills, shall satisfy the one-credit requirement in physical education and the one-credit requirement in performing arts.

PE-BCPS K-12 Progression Plans

Shape America

SHAPE America (Society of Health and Physical Educators) is a national organization that supports over 200,000 health and physical education teachers across the United States. Its members include teachers, coaches, and other people who care about health and PE, along with groups from all 50 states.

Since it started in 1885, SHAPE America has been a leader in setting high standards for health and physical education in schools. Its National Physical Education Standards help teachers create strong PE programs. The National Health Education Standards guide schools in teaching important health skills.

These national standards help teachers give high-quality lessons that support the health and wellness of every student from pre-K through 12th grade.

SHAPE America

Shape Florida

SHAPE Florida has been supporting members across the state for over 100 years. Our members include health and physical education teachers from public and private schools, college professors, school district leaders, and others who care about health and PE.

SHAPE Florida is a nonprofit organization, which means we work to help others and not to make money.

Our vision is built on these five words:
Supportive. Healthy. Active. Positive. Engaged.
Together, they spell SHAPE—what we aim to be for our students and communities.

Our mission is to help create healthy communities by encouraging people to build lifelong healthy habits. To reach this goal, we work to improve and support high-quality health and physical education, physical activity, and sports programs for children, teens, and adults across Florida.

SHAPE Florida

See What We Do in Secondary PE

Contact Information

Dillon Giorgis

Curriculum Spvr, Physical Education, Health & Driver's Education K-12