Sports & Athletics

Physical Education: Middle and High School

The IB goal of physical education is concerned with more than just participating in sports and games. Its primary aims are to encourage the development of “intelligent performers” and to encourage students to understand the importance of a balanced, healthy lifestyle. Throughout the five years of elementary, students should develop knowledge, critical thinking and reflection skills, and a sense of responsibility, as well as interpersonal and self-motivational skills. This in turn should encourage choices that will contribute to long-term healthy living.

Physical education brings the unique perspective of learning through the physical, which can greatly contribute to students’ approaches to learning skills. Further, it is transferable across other subject groups.

The learning and development associated with physical education should contribute to students developing the qualities of the IB learner profile and engaging with the fundamental concepts—holistic learning, intercultural awareness and communication. When the curriculums of physical education and other IB subject groups are developed according to these principles, students will be given the opportunity to:

  • develop a combination of transferable skills promoting physical, intellectual, emotional and social development
  • see other subjects from a physical education perspective (including learning through the physical) and vice versa
  • see the areas of interaction as relevant to physical education and contributing to holistic learning
  • consider new, differing and contrasting ideas to their own and use them in the learning process
  • develop abilities to communicate their knowledge, skills and reflections in a variety of situations
  • understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance
  • give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience

Physical Education at Aoba-Japan International School (Aoba) provides students with the opportunity to participate in regular challenging physical activity, and develop an understanding of fitness for life and the benefits of a balanced healthy lifestyle. Skills, concepts, knowledge and attitudes are developed through progressive practices and structured games, designed to ensure maximum participation by all. The PE program also contributes to a student’s personal and social education, providing opportunities for cooperation, self-reflection, teamwork, decision-making and problem solving.

Physical Education: Primary Years Program (PYP)

Personal, Social and Physical Education (PSPE)

PSPE in the PYP is concerned with the individual’s well-being through the promotion and development of concepts, knowledge, attitudes and skills that contribute to this well-being.

Well-being is intrinsically linked to all aspects of a student’s experience at school and beyond. It encompasses physical, emotional, cognitive, spiritual and social health and development, and contributes to an understanding of self, to developing and maintaining relationships with others, and to participation in an active, healthy lifestyle. PSPE is actually the combination of two curriculum areas—PE and PSE—which are described below.

Physical Education (PE)

Through Physical Education in the PYP, students are learning the “language” of physical movement, exploring the skills associated with the different areas of PE. Students learn to understand what they can and cannot do physically. They become aware of their own strengths and areas to develop in this discipline.

Physical activity is an essential aspect of a balanced, healthy lifestyle and learning through PE helps build self-esteem, confidence, cooperation and fitness.

Our aim is to stimulate students’ awareness of their own physical fitness and to simultaneously develop an interest in and appreciation of sport and physical activity. Swimming is included in the program for students in grades 1-5.

The Aoba Jaguars (Competitive Program)

The Jaguars program at Aoba is intended to enrich and enhance the overall school experience. Athletics are an important aspect of education and should provide a wholesome environment for the development of teamwork, individual skills, positive self-esteem, and school spirit and pride through friendly inter-school competitions. In addition, the Aoba athletic program provides support and motivation for students to achieve in the core-curriculum as well as provide opportunities for enrichment, skill development, and personal growth beyond those available in the classroom.

Goals for Aoba Jaguars Program are to:

  • Enhance and expand learning in the classroom
  • Provide opportunities for students to experience public performance, competition, teamwork, and interaction with fellow students and athletes
  • Enhance student pride and identification with friends and school
  • Increase student morale and motivation for achievement and skill development in the academic, physical, and social realms
  • Practice standards of proper sportsmanship and citizenship behaviors
  • Enhance the development of a positive self image in each student
  • Increase student experience in meeting challenges and coping with success and failure
  • Focus on student needs, rather than the needs of teachers, coaches, administrators or parents
  • Provide reflection and feedback in order to maximize learning and growth
  • Provide guidance in the individual’s selection of activities in which they participate in order to meet life-long as well as immediate goals and aspirations
  • Interscholastic Athletics Affiliation

We are accepting applications