Onward and Upward teaches a variety of fitness and sports activities designed to promote personal fitness, which help students learn how to maintain an active adult life of health and wellness. Additional themes within all of our courses are: developing leadership skills, creating meaningful connections, cultivating a growth mindset, deepening our connection to nature, and sharing in joyful moments. Here are a few of our unique physical education courses:
Mindful Movement
Learn how mindfulness practices promote greater understanding of nature, self, health & wellness. We will explore concepts of mindfulness through practicing intentional movement that require focus and concentration to train the mind. The movement practices we will focus on in this course will be yoga, karate and slacklining. Along with more physical strength and stamina, students will also notice an enhanced mental clarity, ability to focus, and become more self-aware; leading to increased emotional regulation.
Archery
In this course students will develop the essential skills of archery. Along with learning archery technique and efficiency, students will learn how to set up and run an archery range. Students will implement the National Archery Shooting Process and Range Management. Leadership skills will also be developed, enabling students to take full ownership of this course. Our instructors are certified Basic Archery Instructors through NASP (National Archery in the Schools Program).
Native Youth Olympics
This course is designed to enhance sport specific conditioning for the Native Youth Olympics. Students will be instructed in, practice and compete in a variety of NYO events. NYO includes 10 events based on games past generations of Alaska Native people played as a way to test their hunting and survival skills, increase strength and maintain endurance, agility and the balance of mind and body. Class topics also include general health and wellness practice and exploring aspects of Alaskan Native culture.
Sports Conditioning & Activities
This course emphasizes the improvement of one’s overall physical condition. Students will be introduced to basic skills and knowledge of various sports activities and good sportsmanship/citizenship will be emphasized. This course also focuses on empowering students with the skills and knowledge necessary to develop their own fitness programs. Field trips to various locations to practice a variety of sports are often a unique and fun highlight of this course.