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Lesson 5 - Circuit Training: Stamina & Coordination

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 build our fitness stamina whilst having fun with our friends?

Learning Objectives

To take part in a circuit to develop stamina and coordination
To apply a range of movement skills to different activities
To show balance and control in movements

Key Outcomes

Students will complete a five-station fitness circuit with sustained effort
Students will demonstrate improved coordination through varied movement patterns
Students will encourage teammates and show supportive behaviour

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Place 5m from end of each apparatus line

Alternative: Markers, bean bags

Speed Ladders

1 (2 if available)

Lay flat on ground with clear approach and exit

Alternative: Chalk ladder on ground, rope ladder

Hoops

Various sizes for different abilities

Alternative: None - essential for hula hooping station

Hurdles

4 (8 if available)

Spaced 1m apart in straight line

Alternative: Cones, foam blocks, ropes on ground

Ropes

Appropriate length for Year 1 students

Alternative: Long ropes, ribbon streamers

Team bibs

For warm-up game identification

Alternative: Bibs, coloured tags

Sun Markers

Clear pictures and simple instructions

Alternative: Visual instruction sheets

Key Vocabulary

Circuit

A series of different exercise stations completed in sequence

Stamina

The ability to keep working without getting too tired

Coordination

Moving different parts of your body together smoothly

Technique

The correct way to perform a skill or movement

Encouragement

Positive words and actions that help others keep trying

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic locomotor skills - running, jumping, hopping
Simple coordination activities
Following instructions and working in groups

Current Skills

Circuit training participation
Sustained physical effort
Complex coordination patterns
Teamwork and encouragement

Next Steps

Longer duration circuits
More complex movement combinations
Self-monitoring of effort levels
Leadership roles in fitness activities

Milestone Indicators

Maintains effort for full 2-minute stations

Demonstrates correct technique with minimal reminders

Positively encourages others without prompting

Key Teaching Points

Maintain sustained effort throughout 2-minute work periods
Focus on correct technique at each station for safety and effectiveness
Encourage teammates consistently throughout the circuit
Use controlled breathing during rest periods for better recovery
Connect effort in PE to improvement and learning in other subjects

Common Misconceptions

Thinking faster is always better - emphasise controlled, correct technique
Believing fitness should be easy - help students understand that challenge means growth
Assuming only athletic students can succeed - celebrate all effort and improvement
Thinking competition is most important - focus on personal improvement and teamwork

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break circuit into shorter segments initially, provide clear visual boundaries, offer leadership roles

dyspraxia

Slow down demonstrations, allow extra practice time, use larger equipment where possible

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule of circuit rotation, allow practice time at each station, offer quiet space if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, clear verbal descriptions of all activities, buddy system for guidance around circuit

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for timing, demonstrate all activities clearly, use picture cards at stations

physical disability

Adapt activities for wheelchair users (upper body focus), modify equipment heights, provide alternative challenges

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following instructions, using descriptive vocabulary about movement and feelings

Maths

Counting work and rest periods, timing activities, measuring distances to cones

Science

Understanding how exercise affects heart rate and breathing, muscle usage in different activities

PSHE

Persistence and resilience, supporting others, working as part of a team, healthy lifestyle choices

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move continuously between stations to observe and encourage, maintain overview of whole class

Observation Focus

Monitor effort levels, technique development, and social interactions throughout circuit

Intervention Points

Step in if technique becomes unsafe, energy levels drop significantly, or social issues arise

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, slow demonstrations with emphasis on key teaching points, repeat as needed during activities

Verbal Cues

•'Keep that rhythm going!'
•'Soft landings, bend those knees!'
•'Encourage your teammates!'
•'Two feet in each square!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor area, minimum 20m x 15m

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, clear of obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Ladders laid flat and secure
•Hurdles appropriate height for Year 1 students
•Skipping ropes appropriate length
•Hoops undamaged with no cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students moving around circuit
•Trips or falls over equipment
•Overexertion during sustained activity
•Contact during warm-up game

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and pathways established
•Adequate spacing between stations
•Continuous supervision of all activities
•Regular checks on student welfare
•Safe contact rules established for warm-up

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all stations
•Move between stations during work periods
•Monitor signs of fatigue or distress
•Ensure safe technique at each station

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support