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Lesson 4 - Circuit Training Techniques

Fitness Foundations & Performance

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Year 6

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Health Related Fitness

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Big Question

How can I improve my fitness performance while maintaining excellent technique and understanding my body's needs?

Learning Objectives

Perform a variety of fitness exercises with control and excellent technique
Demonstrate understanding of warm-up importance and hydration benefits
Show determination to improve on previous performances through self-assessment

Key Outcomes

Students will execute circuit exercises with proper form and control
Students will explain why warming up and staying hydrated are essential for performance
Students will sustain effort throughout extended exercise periods and reflect on their progress

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

12-15

Mark circuit stations and sprint turning points

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines

Exercise mats

1 per 2 students (15)

Place at floor exercise stations

Alternative: Towels, carpet squares

Benches

4-6

Position for tricep dips and wall sits

Alternative: Sturdy chairs, step platforms

Music Player

1 set

Test volume levels before lesson

Alternative: Mobile phone with portable speaker

Water bottles

1 per student (30)

Available at hydration station

Alternative: Access to water fountain

Stopwatch

Visible timing for rotations

Alternative: Phone timer app

Cards

1 set

Prepare calming visuals for cool-down

Alternative: Printed pictures, teacher demonstration

Video Device

1 (tablet/camera)

For assessment evidence collection

Alternative: Phone camera

Key Vocabulary

Circuit Training

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

Technique

The correct way to perform an exercise to maximise benefit and prevent injury

Warm-up

Gentle activities that prepare the body for more intense exercise

Hydration

Maintaining proper fluid levels in the body before, during and after exercise

Endurance

The ability to sustain physical activity over extended periods

Form

Body position and movement quality during exercise

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of exercise movements
Experience following simple fitness routines
Knowledge of basic safety in PE activities

Current Skills

Executing complex circuit exercises with proper technique
Understanding physiological benefits of warm-up and hydration
Self-monitoring performance and identifying improvement areas

Next Steps

Creating personal fitness programmes
Leading fitness sessions for peers
Understanding advanced training principles

Milestone Indicators

Demonstrates consistent technique across multiple exercises

Explains the connection between preparation and performance

Shows measurable improvement in exercise endurance and form

Key Teaching Points

Always prioritise proper technique over speed or number of repetitions
Emphasise the importance of warming up before intense exercise to prevent injury
Teach appropriate hydration timing - small sips during rest, not large amounts during exercise
Connect physical feelings to exercise benefits to build understanding
Encourage self-assessment and reflection to develop independent learners
Model positive attitudes towards challenging exercises to build resilience
Use circuit training to develop both cardiovascular and muscular fitness simultaneously

Common Misconceptions

Students may think more repetitions always equals better performance - emphasise quality over quantity
Some may believe they should push through pain - teach difference between effort and harmful discomfort
May think warm-up is unnecessary if they feel energetic - explain injury prevention benefits
Might avoid drinking water during exercise thinking it will make them feel sick - teach proper timing
Could believe that being tired means they've worked hard enough - distinguish between fatigue and effective training

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter exercise periods with frequent changes, provide clear boundaries and expectations, offer movement breaks

dyspraxia

Break exercises into smaller steps, provide extra practice time, use wall support for balance exercises

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, use visual timetables for circuit rotations, offer quiet space if overstimulated

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions of all exercises, provide tactile guidance for positioning, ensure clear pathways for sprint routes

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written exercise cards, ensure visual contact during instructions

physical disability

Offer seated or modified versions of all exercises, adapt equipment height, reduce repetitions or intensity as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Timing exercises and rest periods, counting repetitions, calculating improvements in performance

Science

Understanding muscle groups, cardiovascular system response to exercise, hydration effects on body

Geography

Directional awareness during movements, spatial understanding of circuit layout

PSHE

Personal goal setting, resilience building, understanding body awareness and health

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move continuously between circuit stations to monitor technique and provide feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for proper exercise technique, sustained effort, and appropriate hydration habits

Intervention Points

Correct technique immediately, encourage hydration during rest periods, modify exercises for struggling students

Demonstration Notes

Show clear difference between correct and incorrect technique, model proper breathing patterns, demonstrate appropriate hydration timing

Verbal Cues

•'Quality over quantity - perfect technique first!'
•'Remember to breathe during exercises!'
•'Take a sip of water during your rest!'
•'Feel those muscles working!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall minimum 20m x 15m with additional space for 8 circuit stations plus sprint routes

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles, adequate ceiling height for overhead movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check benches are stable and appropriate height
•Ensure mats are clean and positioned securely
•Verify water bottles are clean and easily accessible
•Test music equipment volume levels

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision during sprint components
•Overexertion leading to injury or distress
•Poor technique causing strain or injury
•Dehydration during intense exercise
•Falls during floor exercises

Risk Mitigation

•Clear sprint routes marked and monitored
•Gradual warm-up and proper cool-down procedures
•Continuous technique monitoring and correction
•Regular hydration breaks and reminders
•Adequate spacing between exercise stations

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple stations simultaneously
•Prioritise high-risk exercises (wall sits, press-ups)
•Monitor hydration and signs of overexertion
•Ensure proper technique over speed or repetitions

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if medical attention needed