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Lesson 4 - Strength Development

Scientific Fitness Exploration

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Year 5

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Health Related Fitness

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45 min

Big Question

How does strength training help us in everyday life and in different sports?

Learning Objectives

To understand what muscular strength is and why it is important for our health
To experience different types of strength exercises through circuit training
To develop responsibility and encouragement whilst working with a partner

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to define muscular strength and explain its benefits
Students will complete a strength circuit demonstrating proper technique
Students will show responsibility by encouraging their partner and following safety guidelines

Equipment & Resources Required

Cards

15 sets

One set per station, clearly visible to students

Alternative: Laminated instruction sheets, tablets with exercise videos

Cones

Mark out 15 stations in circuit formation

Alternative: Spot markers, chalk marks

Stopwatch

Visible/audible signals for station changes

Alternative: Smartphone timer, classroom clock

Exercise mats

15 (1 per station)

For floor-based exercises like planks and sit-ups

Alternative: Towels, carpet squares

Water bottles

1 per student

Available throughout the session for hydration

Alternative: Shared water station

Key Vocabulary

Muscular Strength

The maximum amount of force that a muscle can exert against resistance in a single effort

Resistance

A force that opposes movement, such as gravity or body weight

Circuit Training

A form of exercise where you move through different exercise stations

Maximum Effort

The highest level of force you can produce in one attempt

Core Stability

The ability to maintain control of your trunk and spine during movement

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of fitness components
Experience with simple bodyweight exercises
Knowledge of warm-up and cool-down importance

Current Skills

Understanding muscular strength definition
Performing strength exercises with proper form
Partner work and peer assessment skills

Next Steps

Designing personal fitness programmes
Understanding training principles
Advanced strength exercise variations

Milestone Indicators

Can maintain proper form throughout exercises

Shows understanding of strength's role in health

Demonstrates responsibility and encouragement

Key Teaching Points

Strength is about maximum force production, not endurance or speed
Quality of movement is always more important than quantity of repetitions
Partner encouragement and responsibility are as important as personal effort
Self-challenge means choosing appropriate difficulty, not maximum difficulty
Strength training helps with daily activities and injury prevention
Mental strength (perseverance, determination) works alongside physical strength
Progressive challenge - exercises can be adapted for different ability levels

Common Misconceptions

Strength training is only for adults or athletes - actually benefits everyone
Being strong means lifting the heaviest weights - actually means appropriate challenge for individual
Strength and fitness are the same thing - strength is one component of fitness
You need special equipment to build strength - bodyweight exercises are very effective
Strength training will make you bulky - builds functional strength and health
If an exercise is easy, it's not working - appropriate challenge varies by individual

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clear boundaries at stations, regular positive feedback, movement between stations helps maintain focus

dyspraxia

Simplified exercises, extra demonstration time, focus on coordination rather than strength intensity

autism spectrum

Clear routine and structure, visual schedule of circuit, quiet zone available if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Clear verbal descriptions of exercises, tactile station markers, buddy support for navigation

hearing impairment

Visual demonstration of all exercises, written instruction cards, hand signals for timing

physical disability

Modified exercises (seated versions, reduced range of motion), adaptive equipment, focus on effort over form

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development (strength, resistance, maximum effort), following instructions, giving encouragement

Maths

Timing intervals, counting repetitions, measuring progress over time

Science

Muscular system, forces and resistance, effects of exercise on the body

PSHE

Personal responsibility, supporting others, healthy lifestyle choices, perseverance

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move continuously around circuit perimeter to observe all stations and provide feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for proper exercise form, positive partner interactions, and appropriate self-challenge

Intervention Points

Step in when form deteriorates, partner cooperation breaks down, or overexertion occurs

Demonstration Notes

Join in with exercises to model perfect form and positive attitude throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Quality over quantity!'
•'Encourage your partner!'
•'Choose the right challenge for you!'
•'Feel the strength in those muscles!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor space, minimum 15m x 20m for circuit layout

Surface Check

Non-slip surface essential for strength exercises, check for any wet areas or hazards