Lesson 2 - Cardiovascular System and Cardio Fitness
Understanding Fitness: From Assessment to Personal Progress
•Year 6
•Health Related Fitness
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
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How does understanding our cardiovascular system help us become fitter and healthier?
Learning Objectives
- Understand the structure and functions of the cardiovascular system (heart, lungs, blood, muscles)
- Develop aerobic fitness through cardio circuit training
- Analyse how exercise affects the cardiovascular system and overall health
Key Outcomes
- Students will explain how the cardiovascular system works during exercise
- Students will perform cardio exercises at appropriate intensity levels
- Students will create effective warm-up and cool-down routines
Equipment & Resources Required
Pre-sort into four distinct colour groups
Alternative: Different coloured bands or team markers
Represent oxygen molecules in cardiovascular activity
Alternative: Small balls, foam blocks, or cone markers
Place one card at each circuit station with clear instructions
Alternative: Laminated exercise instruction sheets
Mark out circuit stations and boundaries
Alternative: Markers or spot markers
Visible to all students for timing intervals
Alternative: Smartphone timer or class clock
One per pair for recording observations
Alternative: Laminated sheets with dry-wipe markers
Key Vocabulary
The system that includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood that transports oxygen and nutrients around the body
The number of times your heart beats per minute
Exercise that uses oxygen to help muscles work and improves cardiovascular fitness
The gas we breathe in that our muscles need to work effectively
The movement of blood around the body carrying oxygen and nutrients
The ability to exercise for long periods without getting too tired
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding that exercise makes heart beat faster
- Experience with circuit training activities
- Knowledge of importance of warming up and cooling down
Current Skills
- Understanding cardiovascular system structure and function
- Performing sustained cardio exercises with proper technique
- Monitoring and adjusting exercise intensity
Next Steps
- Designing personal fitness programmes
- Understanding different types of fitness training
- Measuring and tracking fitness improvements
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Cardiovascular system has four main components that work together: heart, lungs, blood, muscles
- Exercise increases heart rate and breathing to deliver more oxygen to working muscles
- Choosing appropriate exercise intensity allows for sustained effort and fitness development
- Partner encouragement and support enhances performance and enjoyment
- Gradual warm-up and cool-down help body adapt safely to exercise demands
- Regular cardio exercise strengthens the cardiovascular system and improves overall health
- Understanding how our body works helps us make better exercise and health choices
Common Misconceptions
- Heart and lungs work independently - they actually work as integrated system
- More intense always means better exercise - appropriate intensity is key for development
- Exercise effects are immediate - cardiovascular adaptations occur gradually over time
- All students should exercise at same level - individual differences require personal approach
- Cool-down is unnecessary - essential for safe return to resting state
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity intervals with clear transitions, use of visual timers, provide leadership roles to maintain engagement
dyspraxia
- Break down cardiovascular system movements into smaller steps, provide extra practice time, use larger equipment where possible
autism spectrum
- Provide visual schedule of activities, clear role explanations with demonstrations, quiet space available if needed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured bibs with tactile markers, provide clear verbal descriptions of all activities, buddy system with sighted partner
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals for timing, written instruction cards at each station, ensure clear line of sight for lip reading
physical disability
- Modify cardio exercises for wheelchair users or reduced mobility, adjust circuit height and accessibility, provide seated alternatives
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following instructions, asking questions, explaining processes, using subject-specific vocabulary
Maths
Timing intervals, counting heart rate, measuring exercise intensity, data collection and recording
Science
Human body systems, heart and circulation, effects of exercise on body, healthy lifestyle choices
PSHE
Healthy lifestyle choices, taking responsibility for own health, supporting others, building resilience
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move continuously around circuit to observe all students, stand centrally during cardiovascular system activity for clear instruction
Observation Focus
Monitor exercise intensity, technique quality, partner interaction and understanding demonstration
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggling with intensity selection, poor technique developing, or inadequate partner support
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for cardiovascular system roles, show exercise modifications for different abilities, model positive encouragement language
Verbal Cues
- •'Control your breathing!'
- •'Choose your level!'
- •'Encourage your partner!'
- •'Think about your cardiovascular system!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor space minimum 15m x 20m, or suitable outdoor area with level surface
Surface Check
Non-slip surface essential, check for any hazards or obstacles before activities
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Ensure bibs are correct size and securely fastened
- •Check beanbags for wear and tear
- •Station cards securely placed to prevent slipping
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Overexertion during cardio circuit
- •Collisions during cardiovascular system simulation
- •Dizziness from sudden change in activity level
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise gradual warm-up and cool-down
- •Clear boundaries and pathways for all activities
- •Regular monitoring of students' exertion levels
- •Self-selection of appropriate intensity levels
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all circuit stations
- •Monitor cardiovascular system activity for safe coordination
- •Watch for signs of overexertion or distress
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if student shows distress, provide rest and recovery, seek medical attention if symptoms persist