2024 - 2025 MCPS High School Course Bulletin

Physical Education and Health

Health education provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to help them make healthful decisions—both now and in the future. Through the implementation of an effective, comprehensive health education instructional program, students will develop the life skills to enhance their potential for academic success and healthier, happier, and more productive lives. Knowledge of accurate health information is essential. Practicing health-related skills in real-life situations and developing healthful behaviors are the ultimate goals of the program. Health Education aligns with Be Well 365 by emphasizing lifelong positive health-related attitudes and behaviors that promote self-reliance and self-regulation for all students.

The purpose of the physical education curriculum is to open the minds of students to new worlds and cultures through movement and sport. Students are actively involved learners through their experience in physical education. Students are led in an exploration of self and others in the world of physical education through three specific c curricular foundations—movement skills, health-related fitness, and personal and social responsibility—to ensure that graduates from MCPS are physical and health literate citizens. Students receive instruction in fitness and skill performance through movement-based tasks and the implementation of personalized fitness and physical activity plans. Students demonstrate and model responsible personal and social behavior to promote a sense of community and a safe, healthy environment for all. Students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to transfer their learning outside of the school setting in order to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.

Health Courses

One credit in Health Education HPE2042 A/B.
*One credit in Health Education is required for graduation. HPE2042 A/B satisfies the one credit health education requirement.

Health education provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to help them make healthful decisions—both now and in the future. Through the implementation of an effective, comprehensive health education instructional program, students will develop the life skills needed to enhance their potential for achieving academic success and attaining healthier, happier, and more productive lives. Developing knowledge of accurate health information is essential. Practicing health-related skills in real-life situations and developing healthful behaviors are the ultimate goals of the program.

HPE2042A / HPE2042B

Hon Health Education A

HPE2029

Fam Life Human Developmt

HPE2030

Human Behavior

HPE2034

First Aid

Physical Education Courses

The goal of the high school physical education program is to prepare students to become responsible citizens who are both physically and health literate. Students develop and apply their knowledge and skills in general, concentrated, and specialty physical education courses. Students receive instruction in fitness and skill performance through movement-based tasks and the implementation of personalized fitness and physical activity plans. Students demonstrate and model responsible personal and social behavior to promote a sense of community and a safe, healthy environment for all. Students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to transfer their learning outside of the school setting in order to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.

Additional Physical Education Courses

As indicated in the course table, there are course codes for specific Concentrated Physical Education (CPE) and Specialty Physical Education (SPE) courses. Students should check with their counselors to see which courses are offered at their school.