Lesson 5 - Aerobic Fitness Development
Understanding Fitness: From Assessment to Personal Progress
•Year 6
•Health Related Fitness
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How does exercise transform our heart, lungs and muscles to make us healthier and stronger?
Learning Objectives
- Develop understanding of the aerobic system and how exercise affects our bodies
- Perform an aerobic fitness circuit to improve personal cardio fitness
- Monitor and analyse changes in heart rate during different exercise phases
Key Outcomes
- Students will understand how exercise affects their aerobic system
- Students will complete a circuit training session at appropriate intensity
- Students will accurately measure and record pulse rates throughout the lesson
Equipment & Resources Required
Pre-prepared with spaces for resting, warm-up, circuit, and cool-down readings
Alternative: Small notebooks, pencils for recording
Set for 45-60 second intervals with 15-second changeover
Alternative: Smartphone timer apps, central clock with whistle signals
Distributed around circuit stations for comfort during floor work
Alternative: Towels, carpet squares for floor exercises
Mark clear boundaries for each exercise station
Alternative: Sports markers, chalk marks on floor
Attached to monitoring cards to prevent loss
Alternative: Pens, clipboards for easier writing
Key Vocabulary
The body's system that uses oxygen to produce energy during exercise
The number of heartbeats per minute, measured at wrist or neck
Beats per minute - how we measure heart rate
Your pulse when you're calm and haven't been exercising
Moving between different exercise stations to improve fitness
How well your heart and lungs work together during exercise
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of heart and breathing changes during exercise
- Experience with simple fitness activities
- Ability to follow circuit training format
Current Skills
- Accurate pulse measurement and recording
- Understanding of aerobic system function
- Circuit training with intensity awareness
Next Steps
- Planning personal fitness programmes
- Understanding anaerobic vs aerobic exercise
- Setting and monitoring fitness goals
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Accurate pulse measurement is essential - demonstrate technique multiple times
- Emphasise gradual progression in exercise intensity throughout lesson
- Connect all activities to understanding of aerobic system function
- Encourage students to work at their own appropriate level
- Use data collection as learning tool, not just measurement exercise
- Safety first - monitor for overexertion and ensure proper cool-down
- Promote positive partner support and encouragement throughout
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking higher heart rate is always better - explain appropriate intensity zones
- Believing you should stop immediately after exercise - explain importance of cool-down
- Assuming all students will have same heart rate responses - emphasise individual differences
- Confusing pulse measurement locations - practice both wrist and neck thoroughly
- Not understanding connection between exercise and heart rate - make links explicit
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Clear boundaries at stations, regular movement breaks, partner support for focus
dyspraxia
- Simplified pulse measurement technique, larger equipment, extra practice time, verbal prompts
autism spectrum
- Clear routine and structure, visual timetable of lesson phases, quiet space available if needed
visual impairment
- Verbal descriptions of pulse location, tactile guidance for finding pulse, audio signals for timing
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all techniques, written instructions on cards, hand signals for timing
physical disability
- Modified exercises appropriate to ability, seated pulse monitoring, adapted circuit stations
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Calculating pulse rates, multiplication by 4, data collection and analysis, comparing numbers
Science
Understanding body systems, heart and circulation, effects of exercise on body
PSHE
Understanding healthy lifestyle choices, personal goal setting, working cooperatively with others
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central to circuit layout for visibility of all stations, moving between pairs during pulse checks
Observation Focus
Exercise technique, appropriate intensity levels, pulse measurement accuracy, partner cooperation
Intervention Points
Step in if students showing signs of overexertion, incorrect technique, or measurement difficulties
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Clear pulse measurement technique, appropriate exercise intensity, proper breathing during cool-down
Verbal Cues
- •'Find your pulse gently'
- •'Work at your own level'
- •'Support your partner'
- •'Focus on good technique'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor hall or outdoor area, minimum 15m x 20m for circuit layout
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, free from obstacles, adequate ventilation for sustained exercise
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all station cards are securely placed and visible
- •Ensure timers are working correctly
- •Mats positioned safely for floor exercises
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Overexertion during circuit training
- •Collisions between students at stations
- •Incorrect pulse measurement technique
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear instruction on appropriate intensity levels
- •Adequate spacing between circuit stations
- •Demonstration of safe pulse measurement technique
- •Regular monitoring of student fatigue levels
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all stations during circuit
- •Monitor students for signs of overexertion
- •Check pulse measurement accuracy regularly
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if student feels unwell, encourage continued gentle movement, seek first aid if needed