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Lesson 2 - Cardiovascular System and Cardio Fitness

Understanding Fitness: From Assessment to Personal Progress

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Year 6

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Health Related Fitness

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Big Question

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

Coloured Bibs

4 sets (different colours for heart, lungs, blood, muscles groups)

Pre-sort into four distinct colour groups

Alternative: Different coloured bands or team markers

Balls

15-20

Represent oxygen molecules in cardiovascular activity

Alternative: Small balls, foam blocks, or cone markers

Sun Markers

15 cardio exercise station cards

Place one card at each circuit station with clear instructions

Alternative: Laminated exercise instruction sheets

Cones

15-20

Mark out circuit stations and boundaries

Alternative: Markers or spot markers

Timer

1-2

Visible to all students for timing intervals

Alternative: Smartphone timer or class clock

Pencils

8 sets (for question sheets)

One per pair for recording observations

Alternative: Laminated sheets with dry-wipe markers

Key Vocabulary

Cardiovascular system

The system that includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood that transports oxygen and nutrients around the body

Heart rate

The number of times your heart beats per minute

Aerobic exercise

Exercise that uses oxygen to help muscles work and improves cardiovascular fitness

Oxygen

The gas we breathe in that our muscles need to work effectively

Circulation

The movement of blood around the body carrying oxygen and nutrients

Endurance

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

Can work continuously for 45-60 seconds at moderate intensity

Demonstrates understanding of why heart rate increases during exercise

Shows good technique in multiple cardio exercises

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