Health and Wellness Course Composites | Westford Public Schools

Wellness

Westford Academy offers many exciting courses for all levels of student's interest and abilities. Students are offered courses such as Physical and Health Education, as well as Child Development, Senior Health Seminar, Empowerment and Goal Setting, and Nutrition, Culinary Skills and Consumer Education.

As defined by the National Wellness Institute, Westford Academy believes in the concept of Wellness, which is “an active process through which people become more aware of, and make choices towards, a more successful existence”. Increasing awareness and one's understanding of the interconnectedness of the Occupational, Physical, Social, Intellectual, Spiritual, and Emotional Dimensions of Wellness can promote growth and balance of an individual's wellness.

Exposure and engagement with the curriculum content in these courses, throughout each of the four years is vital to a student’s overall wellness, social and emotional well-being, and success as a life-long learner. Furthermore, Health and Physical Education are identified as an essential component of a students well-rounded educational experience and provides the following benefits:

Prevention against negative consequences of stress
Positive association with attention, concentration and on-task behavior
Reduction of feelings of anxiousness
Encourages lifetime healthy habits
Positive relationship with academic achievement

All students are encouraged to round out their educational experience by enrolling in several courses within the Health and Wellness Department.

881 - Physical Education/Wellness (9-12) - 2.5 credits

The Physical Education program is designed to allow students the flexibility to choose from a set of activities. Within this opportunity, students may select a set of activities they are interested in. Our goal is to introduce new experiences within the Physical Education curriculum and to equip students with potential life-long fitness tools. Four semesters of physical education is required for graduation. One semester per year. While not recommended, should a student choose to defer in grade 9; beginning with the Class of 2025 grade 9 is the only year deferment can occur. Should a student defer in grade 9, enrollment in 5 Physical Education credits in grade 10 is required.

Physical Education is a Department of Elementary and Secondary Education mandate, Westford Academy graduation requirement (four semesters), and WPS School Committee Policy.

887 - Health Education (9) - 2.5 credits

The Health Education Program is driven towards the improvement of knowledge and development of skills necessary to become a health literate individual. By providing accurate information and applying it to a set of skills (Advocacy, Decision Making, Goal Setting, Interpersonal Communication, Accessing Information, Self Management, and Analyzing Influences) each student will become a self-directed learner, critical thinker/problem solver, an effective communicator, and a responsible productive citizen. Mental health, suicide prevention, nutrition, Internet safety, harassment, alcohol/drugs/tobacco, and human growth and development will be the cornerstone units for discussion. The program is required for all grade 9 students and is a Westford Academy graduation requirement.

873 - Child Development CP (10 - 12) - 2.5 credits

The Child Development program is a comprehensive program based on child development instruction. It is designed to present the information necessary for basic knowledge of child growth as well as a variety of personal experiences that will give the student an understanding of the role of the caregiver. The course focuses on development from conception through the school-age child. This development includes not only physical maturation, but also an understanding of how emotional, social and intellectual development are fostered and hindered. This course is offered to students in grades 10-12.

892 - Nutrition & Culinary/Consumer Education CP - (10-12) - 2.5 credits

This life-skills focused program combines the science of personal nutrition, the vast skills related to culinary methods and the importance of being an educated consumer. Students will develop a deeper understanding of essential nutrients, energy metabolism and the importance of dietary choices. Students will develop essential life-long skills through labs such as food analysis, the basics of cooking and the cost-effectiveness of home-prepared meals. Students will have the opportunity to practice culinary skills and develop a personal portfolio specific to dietary needs and activity level. Career opportunities in the field will be explored. This course is offered to students in grades 10-12.

893 - Empowerment & Goal Setting CP - (10-12) - 2.5 credits

What makes us feel EMPOWERED? How can this understanding help us to be more resilient individuals and to be more responsible, active participants in the global society? Answers to these questions will be explored through this new semester elective offered through the English and Health departments. Topics include Game Changers in History, the role of Gender in Society, Domestic Violence, Individual Health Needs and Gender Equality/Equity. The course includes personal goal setting, confidence building techniques, and daily self-reflection. This course is offered to students in grades 10-12.

889 - Senior Health Seminar (12) - 2.5 credits

This course is a senior-only elective designed to introduce students to a variety of topics that today's youth need. It will cover topics such as personal health and wellness, addictions, college life, eating disorders, healthy vs. unhealthy relationships, domestic violence, stress, sexual health and a variety of other mental health topics. Some areas of basic finance will also be explored. This course is offered to students in grade 12.