Lesson 6 - Stamina Development
Fitness Assessment & Goals
•Year 6
•Health Related Fitness
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Positioned against walls for stability, checked for safety
Alternative: Sturdy boxes, steps, or low platforms
Used to mark station boundaries and distances
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk lines
Visible to all students for timing rotations
Alternative: Smartphone timer app, wall clock with second hand
Motivational music to maintain energy levels
Alternative: Portable speaker, smartphone
Key Vocabulary
The ability to sustain prolonged physical or mental effort without getting tired quickly
The ability of the heart and lungs to supply oxygen to working muscles during sustained physical activity
Controlling your speed and effort to maintain performance over a longer period
A series of exercises performed in sequence with rest periods between stations
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
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