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Lesson 6 - Circuit Training: Stamina & Agility

Fitness Fundamentals & Fun

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Year 1

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Health Related Fitness

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45 min

Big Question

How can we train our bodies to be stronger and more agile through circuit training?

Learning Objectives

To take part in a circuit to develop stamina and agility
To understand how our bodies respond to different types of exercise
To demonstrate safe movement patterns when changing direction

Key Outcomes

Students will complete a multi-station fitness circuit
Students will demonstrate controlled direction changes
Students will recognise how their body feels during sustained exercise

Equipment & Resources Required

Benches

Position against wall for stability

Alternative: Sturdy boxes or gym mats folded for height

Cones

Various arrangements for different stations

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, or laminated paper spots

Sun Markers

5 sets

Place clearly visible at each station

Alternative: Laminated instruction sheets with pictures

Mats

5-6

Optional equipment for Station 5

Alternative: Lines marked on floor or rope laid flat

Stopwatch

For timing 2-minute intervals and 30-second rests

Alternative: Smartphone timer or classroom clock

Key Vocabulary

Circuit

A series of exercises performed one after another

Stamina

The ability to keep exercising for a long time

Agility

The ability to move quickly and change direction

Pace

How fast or slow you move during exercise

Direction change

Moving from one way to another way quickly

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic locomotor movements (running, jumping, stepping)
Understanding of personal space
Following simple instructions in PE

Current Skills

Circuit training participation
Direction changes with control
Stamina awareness and pacing

Next Steps

More complex agility patterns
Understanding different fitness components
Self-monitoring of effort levels

Milestone Indicators

Sustained effort for 2-minute intervals

Controlled direction changes without losing balance

Recognition of physical exertion symptoms

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise proper direction changing technique - bend knees, turn hips, push off one foot
Teach appropriate pacing strategies for sustained activities
Build understanding of how exercise affects the body
Promote peer encouragement and support throughout activities
Focus on personal improvement rather than competition
Maintain safety awareness especially during fatigue
Connect learning to real-world applications and other sports

Common Misconceptions

Students think faster is always better - teach them about pacing and control
Belief that being tired means they should stop - explain normal exercise responses
Thinking agility is just about speed - emphasise control and technique
Assuming circuit training is only for athletes - connect to everyday fitness
Believing they can't improve - celebrate small progressions and effort

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter work intervals if needed, clear station boundaries, regular positive reinforcement, movement breaks between explanations

dyspraxia

Extra demonstration time, simplified movement patterns, larger target areas, additional practice opportunities, patient repetition

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of circuit order, predictable routine structure, quiet rest area available, advance warning of transitions

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured cones, verbal descriptions of each station, buddy system for guidance, tactile markers for boundaries

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards at stations, hand signals for start/stop, visual timer displays

physical disability

Modified activities for seated or supported positions, reduced intensity options, adapted equipment heights, alternative movement patterns

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following multi-step instructions, describing physical sensations, using fitness vocabulary in discussions

Maths

Counting repetitions, timing intervals, measuring distances between cones, comparing scores across rounds

Science

Understanding how exercise affects heart rate, breathing, and body temperature, learning about muscles working

PSHE

Building resilience and determination, supporting and encouraging others, celebrating personal achievements

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position allowing view of all stations, move around circuit during activities

Observation Focus

Monitor technique, effort levels, safety, and peer interactions

Intervention Points

Step in for safety concerns, technique corrections, or motivation support

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, slow demonstrations emphasising key technique points, repeat as needed

Verbal Cues

•'Bend those knees when changing direction!'
•'Remember your pace - you can do this!'
•'Encourage your teammates!'
•'Stay on your feet and keep moving!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor area minimum 20m x 15m with clear pathways between stations

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from water, debris, or loose equipment

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Benches secured against wall to prevent sliding
•All cones placed firmly on ground
•Station cards clearly visible and secured
•No damaged or broken equipment

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Slips and falls during direction changes
•Collisions between students at stations
•Over-exertion during circuit activities
•Bench instability during step-ups

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing at each station
•Proper warm-up before high-intensity activities
•Continuous monitoring for fatigue signs
•Progressive skill building with demonstrations
•Emphasis on controlled movements over speed

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all five stations
•Move around circuit during activities
•Monitor bench stations particularly closely
•Watch for signs of over-exertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required