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Lesson 2 - Stamina & Core Strength

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 build the physical foundations that will help us excel in all sports and activities?

Learning Objectives

Develop stamina through sustained running at an appropriate pace
Understand the importance of core strength for athletic performance
Demonstrate determination and perseverance during challenging physical activities

Key Outcomes

Students will maintain a steady pace during a 12-minute continuous run
Students will explain why core strength is fundamental to most sports
Students will provide constructive feedback to peers and reflect on their own performance

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

8-12

Mark running circuit boundary and relay positions

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, water bottles

Music Player

Upbeat motivational music for core circuit

Alternative: Smartphone with speaker, whistle for timing

Stopwatch

For timing 12-minute run and circuit intervals

Alternative: Smartphone timer, wall clock with second hand

Score Sheets

For students to track their running progress

Alternative: Clipboards with paper, individual markers

Exercise mats

15 pairs

For twist exercises in core circuit

Alternative: Medicine balls, bean bags, water bottles

Key Vocabulary

Stamina

The ability to sustain physical effort for extended periods

Endurance

The body's ability to continue exercising without getting too tired

Core strength

The strength of muscles in your torso that support your spine and pelvis

Pace

The speed at which you perform an activity, especially running

Perseverance

Continuing to try hard even when something is difficult

Circuit training

A series of exercises performed one after another with short rest periods

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Students can run for short periods without stopping
Students understand basic body positions and movements
Students can work cooperatively with partners

Current Skills

Sustained running with pace awareness
Core strengthening exercises with proper form
Peer coaching and self-reflection skills

Next Steps

Interval training and pace variation
Advanced core exercises and progressions
Leadership roles in fitness activities

Milestone Indicators

Can maintain conversation during steady-pace running

Shows visible improvement in core exercise duration

Provides specific, helpful feedback to peers

Key Teaching Points

Pace management is more important than speed during endurance activities
Core strength supports performance and injury prevention in all sports
Quality of exercise technique matters more than quantity or speed
Perseverance and determination are skills that can be developed through practice
Constructive peer feedback helps everyone improve and learn
Self-reflection helps identify strengths and areas for improvement
Fitness training principles apply to life skills beyond sport

Common Misconceptions

Faster running is always better - correct with pace awareness and talk test
Core strength only means stomach muscles - show full core muscle groups
Exercise should be painful to be effective - emphasise proper technique over discomfort
Only naturally fit people can build endurance - demonstrate that perseverance builds fitness
Peer feedback means pointing out mistakes - model constructive, helpful communication

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries and expectations, regular movement breaks built in

dyspraxia

Extra demonstration time, simplified movement patterns, partner support for complex sequences

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed, consistent routine and expectations

visual impairment

Use bright cones for circuit marking, clear verbal descriptions of exercise positions, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

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

physical disability

Modified exercises (wall push-ups instead of planks), wheelchair circuit options, adapted distances

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Descriptive vocabulary for feelings and experiences, giving constructive feedback, listening skills

Maths

Timing and measuring, counting laps, calculating distances around circuit, data recording

Science

Heart rate and breathing changes during exercise, muscle function, energy systems in the body

PSHE

Perseverance and resilience, goal setting, supporting others, dealing with challenges

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

During run - position at corner for maximum circuit visibility; during circuit - rotate between stations

Observation Focus

Watch for pace management, exercise technique quality, peer interaction and encouragement

Intervention Points

Step in if students overexerting, poor exercise form risking injury, or negative peer interactions

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for exercise demos; model breathing and pace during run; show difference between sprint and sustainable pace

Verbal Cues

•'Remember the talk test - you should be able to chat while running!'
•'Quality over speed in your exercises!'
•'What specific feedback can you give your partner?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area minimum 40m x 30m or equivalent indoor hall space for running circuit

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from holes, debris or obstacles that could cause falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check cones are in good condition with no sharp edges
•Ensure exercise mats are clean and provide adequate cushioning
•Verify medicine balls are appropriate weight and securely closed

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Overexertion during 12-minute run leading to exhaustion
•Injury from incorrect core exercise technique
•Collisions during relay warm-up activity
•Muscle strain from inadequate warm-up or cool-down

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise pace control and 'talk test' during endurance run
•Demonstrate correct technique for all exercises before starting
•Maintain clear spacing between teams during relay
•Ensure proper warm-up and cool-down phases

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all students during circuit run
•Move around circuit stations to monitor exercise technique
•Watch for signs of overexertion (excessive breathlessness, pale complexion, dizziness)

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if any student shows distress, provide first aid as appropriate, ensure access to drinking water