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Lesson 6 - Core Strength & Endurance Test

Fitness Foundations & Performance

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Year 6

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Health Related Fitness

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Big Question

How can we design our own fitness circuits to challenge ourselves and improve our core strength and endurance?

Learning Objectives

To demonstrate improved endurance through the 12-minute run assessment
To collaborate effectively to design and implement a core strength circuit
To evaluate personal performance and set targets for future improvement

Key Outcomes

Students will complete a 12-minute endurance run and compare results to previous attempts
Students will work in groups to create and lead core strength exercises
Students will reflect on their fitness journey and identify areas for continued development

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

25 (various colours)

Set up running circuit and colour-coded stations

Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk lines

SAQ Ladders

4-6

Place around warm-up area for rotations

Alternative: Chalk ladder patterns on ground

Wall Bars

6-8

Various heights for stepping exercises

Alternative: Low hurdles or pool noodles

Stopwatch

1 per group + group timers

Visible timing for 12-minute run

Alternative: Smartphone timer apps

Score Sheets

1 per student

Track lap counts and personal records

Alternative: Clipboards with paper

Tunnel Systems

Motivational music for circuit work

Alternative: Portable speaker

Exercise mats

15-20

For floor-based core exercises

Alternative: Towels or designated floor spaces

Small Balls

10-15

For twisting exercises and resistance

Alternative: Beanbags or water bottles

Key Vocabulary

Endurance

The ability to sustain physical activity over an extended period

Core muscles

The muscles around the trunk that provide stability and strength

Circuit training

A series of exercises performed in sequence with minimal rest

Stamina

The ability to maintain effort and resist fatigue

Pacing

Controlling your speed to maintain effort over time

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of core muscles and their function
Experience with circuit training formats
Previous completion of fitness assessments

Current Skills

Sustained running technique and pacing strategies
Leadership and group organisation skills
Self-evaluation and goal-setting abilities

Next Steps

Independent fitness planning and implementation
Advanced circuit design with progressive overload
Mentoring younger students in fitness activities

Milestone Indicators

Maintains consistent pace throughout 12-minute run

Demonstrates leadership in group circuit design

Provides constructive feedback to peers on technique

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise personal improvement over comparison with others throughout the lesson
Connect endurance training to real-life applications and lifelong fitness
Develop student leadership through circuit design and peer instruction
Use assessment data to set realistic and motivating targets for improvement
Model and encourage positive language and growth mindset during challenges
Balance competitive elements with inclusive participation for all ability levels
Integrate reflection and self-assessment as essential components of learning

Common Misconceptions

That running faster always means better endurance - emphasise steady pacing over speed
That core exercises must be painful to be effective - focus on controlled technique
That fitness is only about physical strength - highlight mental resilience and teamwork
That assessment results define ability - promote growth mindset and personal progress
That leading requires being the loudest - teach effective communication and encouragement

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear role definitions, movement breaks between planning sessions, positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Simplified exercise sequences, extra demonstration time, peer support for complex movements, focus on personal improvement

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zone available if needed, advance warning of transitions

visual impairment

Use bright coloured markers for circuit boundaries, verbal descriptions of exercise technique, buddy system for running circuit

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all exercises, written instruction cards at stations, hand signals for timing

physical disability

Modified exercises for different mobility levels, wheelchair-adapted circuits, alternative assessment criteria

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, giving clear instructions, descriptive language for movement

Maths

Data collection and analysis of lap counts, timing calculations, percentage improvements, statistical comparison

Science

Understanding of cardiovascular system, muscle groups and function, energy systems, principles of training

PSHE

Goal setting and perseverance, leadership skills, teamwork and cooperation, self-evaluation and reflection

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position with clear sight lines to all activity areas, mobile during circuit work to provide feedback

Observation Focus

Monitor endurance pacing, exercise technique, group collaboration, and safety awareness throughout

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe technique observed, excessive fatigue evident, or group conflicts arise during planning

Demonstration Notes

Model correct pacing for endurance running, demonstrate core exercise progressions, show effective coaching techniques

Verbal Cues

•'Find your rhythm and stick to it'
•'Quality over quantity in every exercise'
•'Coach each other for better technique'
•'Challenge yourself but stay safe'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area or sports hall minimum 40m x 30m for running circuit and exercise stations

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from obstacles, adequate grip for running and exercises

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check cones are stable and not cracked
•Ensure exercise mats are clean and non-slip
•Verify agility equipment is properly assembled

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Overexertion during 12-minute run
•Collisions during circuit rotations
•Improper exercise technique leading to injury
•Dehydration during sustained activity

Risk Mitigation

•Staggered start positions for running assessment
•Clear boundaries and rotation procedures
•Emphasis on proper technique over speed/repetitions
•Regular hydration breaks and monitoring

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of entire running circuit
•Monitor exercise stations for technique and safety
•Watch for signs of overexertion or distress

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students are safe and supervised