Lesson 2 - Stamina & Core Strength
Fitness Foundations & Performance
•Year 6
•Health Related Fitness
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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- Complete activity instructions & timing
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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
Mark running circuit boundary and relay positions
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, water bottles
Upbeat motivational music for core circuit
Alternative: Smartphone with speaker, whistle for timing
For timing 12-minute run and circuit intervals
Alternative: Smartphone timer, wall clock with second hand
For students to track their running progress
Alternative: Clipboards with paper, individual markers
For twist exercises in core circuit
Alternative: Medicine balls, bean bags, water bottles
Key Vocabulary
The ability to sustain physical effort for extended periods
The body's ability to continue exercising without getting too tired
The strength of muscles in your torso that support your spine and pelvis
The speed at which you perform an activity, especially running
Continuing to try hard even when something is difficult
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
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