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Lesson 6 - Stamina Development

Fitness Assessment & Goals

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Year 6

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Health Related Fitness

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45 min

Big Question

How can I train my body to keep going for longer periods without giving up?

Learning Objectives

To complete actions to develop stamina and cardiovascular endurance
To understand pacing strategies for sustained exercise
To develop mental resilience during challenging physical activity

Key Outcomes

Students will complete a full stamina circuit maintaining effort throughout
Students will demonstrate controlled breathing techniques during exercise
Students will show understanding of pacing for endurance activities

Equipment & Resources Required

Benches

Positioned against walls for stability, checked for safety

Alternative: Sturdy boxes, steps, or low platforms

Cones

Used to mark station boundaries and distances

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk lines

Timer

Visible to all students for timing rotations

Alternative: Smartphone timer app, wall clock with second hand

Music Player

Motivational music to maintain energy levels

Alternative: Portable speaker, smartphone

Key Vocabulary

Stamina

The ability to sustain prolonged physical or mental effort without getting tired quickly

Cardiovascular endurance

The ability of the heart and lungs to supply oxygen to working muscles during sustained physical activity

Pacing

Controlling your speed and effort to maintain performance over a longer period

Circuit training

A series of exercises performed in sequence with rest periods between stations

Breathing control

Consciously managing breathing rhythm to maintain oxygen supply during exercise

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of exercise and its effects on the body
Experience with simple fitness activities
Knowledge of safe exercise practices

Current Skills

Sustained exercise performance over extended periods
Breathing control techniques during physical activity
Pacing strategies for endurance
Mental resilience and motivation during challenging exercise

Next Steps

Advanced circuit training with varied intensities
Heart rate monitoring and training zones
Creating personal fitness programmes

Milestone Indicators

Can maintain activity for full 2-minute stations

Breathing remains controlled throughout exercise

Demonstrates understanding of pacing principles

Shows mental toughness when exercise becomes challenging

Key Teaching Points

Stamina is about sustaining effort over time, not maximum intensity
Proper pacing prevents early fatigue and allows for sustained performance
Breathing control through the nose maintains oxygen supply during exercise
Mental resilience is as important as physical stamina in endurance activities
Peer encouragement and support enhance individual performance
Good technique should be maintained even when fatigue sets in
Progressive improvement comes through repeated practice and challenge

Common Misconceptions

Thinking stamina means going as fast as possible - address by emphasising sustainable pace
Believing that feeling tired means you should stop - teach about working through discomfort safely
Assuming everyone should perform at the same level - celebrate individual effort and improvement
Thinking breathing doesn't matter during exercise - demonstrate proper breathing techniques
Believing that mental aspects don't affect physical performance - discuss mind-body connection

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter station times initially, clear visual boundaries, frequent positive reinforcement, movement-based learning

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, additional practice time, focus on rhythm rather than complex coordination

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of circuit rotations, consistent routine structure, quiet rest area available if needed

visual impairment

Use verbal cues for timing and direction changes, tactile markers for station boundaries, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual timing signals, demonstration-based instruction, written station cards with instructions

physical disability

Modified activities (seated exercises, upper body focus), reduced intensity options, wheelchair-accessible stations

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Describing physical sensations, explaining strategies, reflecting on experiences, using fitness vocabulary

Maths

Timing activities, counting repetitions, measuring distances, calculating heart rate changes

Science

Understanding cardiovascular system, oxygen transport, muscle fatigue, effects of exercise on body

PSHE

Perseverance, mental resilience, supporting others, personal goal setting, managing challenges

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location to observe all four stations, moving between stations to provide encouragement and technique feedback

Observation Focus

Monitor pacing strategies, breathing patterns, technique maintenance under fatigue, peer support behaviours

Intervention Points

Step in if students show signs of overexertion, poor technique that could cause injury, or negative peer interactions

Demonstration Notes

Model appropriate pacing during warm-up, demonstrate correct technique at each station, show breathing rhythm during activities

Verbal Cues

•'Pace yourself - this isn't a race!'
•'Breathe steadily through your nose'
•'Encourage your teammates!'
•'Focus on good technique even when tired'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

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

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, dry and even, free from hazards or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Benches positioned against walls and checked for stability
•Cones placed securely to mark boundaries and distances
•All equipment inspected before use for damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Overexertion and excessive fatigue
•Falls during step-ups or hopping activities
•Collisions during running station
•Dehydration during sustained exercise

Risk Mitigation

•Gradual progression through warm-up activities
•Clear boundaries and spacing between students
•Regular monitoring of exertion levels
•Emphasise proper technique over speed
•Bench positioning against walls for stability
•Adequate rest periods between circuits

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all stations during circuit
•Monitor individual students for signs of overexertion
•Check step-up station for proper technique and safety
•Ensure students maintain safe spacing during activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school first aider if needed