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Lesson 6 - Circuit Training Leadership

Fitness Assessment & Training Plan

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Year 8

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Health Related Fitness

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Big Question

How can understanding fitness principles help us design effective training programmes for different sports and goals?

Learning Objectives

To describe and perform sport-specific core skills in a Health Related Fitness circuit using correct technique
To analyse self and peer performance against established assessment criteria
To demonstrate leadership skills by designing and delivering a fitness circuit session

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully perform a student-designed circuit with correct technique and safety
Students will evaluate their own and peers' performance using the assessment matrix
Students will apply training principles to adapt circuits for different sports and progression levels

Equipment & Resources Required

Score Sheets

1 per student (30) plus teacher copies

Pre-printed with assessment matrix and space for comments

Alternative: Tablets or smartphones with digital forms

Pencils

1 per student (30)

Stored in central location accessible throughout lesson

Alternative: Clipboards if working outdoors

Heart Rate Monitor

15-30 (ideally 1 per student or per pair)

Pre-charged and distributed before warm-up begins

Alternative: Manual pulse-taking technique, rate of perceived exertion scale

Music Player

1 set

Positioned centrally with volume appropriate for space size

Alternative: Whistle for timing if speakers unavailable

PE Equipment

As per student-designed circuit (varies)

Set up based on selected student homework circuit design

Alternative: N/A - depends on chosen circuit

Game Balls

15-30 (variety: footballs, basketballs, rugby balls)

Available for warm-up familiarisation and sport-specific exercises

Alternative: Bean bags or other objects for skills practice

Cones

20-30

Used to mark circuit station boundaries and movement areas

Alternative: Markers, spots, or natural landmarks

Bibs

15 (one colour)

For identifying circuit leaders or peer assessors if needed

Alternative: Not essential for this lesson

Key Vocabulary

Circuit design

The process of selecting and arranging exercises in a circuit to achieve specific fitness goals

Exercise selection

Choosing appropriate exercises based on fitness components, equipment available, and participant ability

Leadership

Taking responsibility for guiding others through activities with clear communication and encouragement

Assessment criteria

Specific standards used to judge the quality of performance objectively

Self-evaluation

Honestly assessing your own performance against set criteria to identify strengths and areas for improvement

Peer feedback

Constructive comments given to classmates to help them improve their performance

Sport-specific adaptations

Modifying exercises to develop fitness components particularly important for a chosen sport

Training session structure

The organised format of a workout including warm-up, main activities, and cool-down

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Understanding of the five components of health-related fitness
Experience performing fitness tests and recording results
Knowledge of training principles including overload and progression
Ability to perform basic circuit training exercises safely

Current Skills

Designing effective circuit training sessions for specific sports
Leading and coaching peers through fitness activities
Using assessment criteria to evaluate performance objectively
Applying training principles to create progressive programmes

Next Steps

Creating personalised long-term fitness training programmes
Understanding periodisation and training cycles
Exploring sport-specific fitness requirements in depth
Developing advanced coaching and leadership skills

Milestone Indicators

Student can explain why specific exercises suit particular sports

Student demonstrates correct technique consistently without prompting

Student provides specific, actionable feedback to peers

Student can modify exercises in real-time based on participant needs

Key Teaching Points

This is the culminating lesson of the unit - celebrate student achievements and growth throughout
Student leadership is central - support student-led sections without taking over, building their confidence
Assessment should be comprehensive across Head (cognitive), Hands (physical), Heart (social-emotional) domains
Heart rate monitoring provides objective data linking theory to practical experience
Maintain high expectations for technique even under fatigue - this is when learning happens
Goal-setting must be SMART and personal - avoid comparison culture, focus on individual progress
Circuit design evaluation develops critical thinking - encourage specific, constructive feedback

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Circuit training is just doing lots of exercises quickly.' Correction: 'Circuit training is a structured training method applying principles of overload, progression, and specificity. Quality technique is more important than speed.'
Misconception: 'Higher heart rate always means better fitness development.' Correction: 'Effective training occurs in specific heart rate zones (60-85% max HR for most fitness benefits). Too high can be dangerous; too low may not challenge fitness.'
Misconception: 'If fitness tests don't show improvement in 6 weeks, training didn't work.' Correction: 'Fitness adaptations take time and vary by individual. Knowledge, technique, and confidence improvements are equally valuable. Continued consistent training will show results.'
Misconception: 'Everyone should do the same exercises at the same intensity.' Correction: 'Training must be individualized based on current fitness, goals, and physical capabilities. Differentiation ensures everyone benefits safely.'
Misconception: 'Assessment is about getting the highest grade.' Correction: 'Assessment identifies current level and next steps for improvement. It's a tool for learning, not a competition. Personal progress matters most.'

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short, varied activities maintain attention - circuit training ideal format. Clear, concise instructions one step at a time. Regular movement breaks already built into circuit structure. Positive reinforcement frequently for on-task behaviour. Active leadership roles to channel energy positively. Visual timers showing time remaining. Clearly defined boundaries and expectations. Immediate feedback during performance.

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns initially - break down complex exercises into steps. Extended practice time at each station before circuit begins. Larger, easier-to-handle equipment. Visual and verbal cues combined for movement sequences. Slower transition times between stations. Partner support for coordination challenges. Celebrate effort and improvement over absolute performance. Written exercise descriptions with diagrams at stations.

autism spectrum

Clear, predictable routine for lesson structure - visual schedule displayed. Advance warning of transitions between activities. Quiet space available if sensory overload occurs. Visual supports: exercise cards with pictures, written timetables. Consistent language and clear instructions. Reduce unpredictability - explain circuit design before starting. Allow processing time for questions and instructions. Minimise sudden loud noises (music volume appropriate).

visual impairment

Use bright coloured equipment for visibility. Provide clear verbal descriptions of all exercises and spatial arrangements. Buddy system with sighted partner for movement around circuit. Tactile markers on floor for station positions. Ensure adequate lighting in teaching area. Provide written information in large print or braille if needed. Use clear verbal cues rather than visual demonstrations exclusively.

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations essential for all exercises - exaggerate movements for clarity. Use visual timer or lights for work/rest intervals rather than whistle only. Provide written instructions at each circuit station. Ensure student can see teacher's face during speaking for lip-reading. Use hand signals for start/stop/transition. Sign language interpreter if available. Written assessment criteria and feedback provided.

physical disability

Adapted exercises for reduced mobility - seated versions or modified range of motion. Use of specialist equipment if available (resistance bands instead of weights). Extend work periods if movements take longer. Reduce circuit stations or repetitions while maintaining challenge. Wheelchair-accessible circuit design. Partner support for transfers or equipment handling. Focus assessment on personal progress not comparison.

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Speaking and listening skills during discussions and peer teaching. Clear communication when providing peer feedback. Presenting circuit designs to class with rationale. Reading and comprehension of assessment criteria. Writing SMART goals and reflections. Using subject-specific vocabulary accurately in context.

Maths

Heart rate calculations and percentage of maximum heart rate. Timing intervals and ratios (work:rest periods). Data collection, recording, and analysis of fitness test results. Calculating improvement percentages. Measuring distances for space requirements. Creating graphs to show fitness progress over time.

Science

Cardiovascular system responses to exercise - heart rate elevation and recovery. Muscular system: muscle groups worked by different exercises, muscular strength vs endurance. Respiratory system: breathing rate changes during exercise. Energy systems and how body fuels movement. Skeletal system: bone health benefits of weight-bearing exercise. Physiological adaptations to training.

Computing

Data collection using heart rate monitors (digital technology). Recording fitness data electronically if tablets used. Creating spreadsheets to track fitness test results over time. Analysing trends in data. Digital assessment tools if available.

Geography

Understanding personal space and spatial awareness in circuit setup. Mapping circuit station layouts efficiently. Directions and orientation - clockwise movement patterns. Scale and distance - appropriate spacing for safety.

PSHE

Goal-setting for personal development using SMART criteria. Resilience when facing physical challenges and fatigue. Self-awareness through honest self-assessment. Leadership and responsibility through circuit design and delivery. Giving and receiving constructive feedback respectfully. Healthy lifestyle choices - importance of regular physical activity. Teamwork and supporting others.

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at central point with 360-degree visibility of all circuit stations. Move actively between stations during circuit rounds providing coaching and monitoring safety. Position near student leaders during demonstrations to provide support. During discussions, position where all students can see and hear clearly.

Observation Focus

Prioritise safety: monitor technique especially under fatigue, watch for over-exertion signs. Assess learning: note understanding shown in discussions, technique quality, leadership skills, peer interactions. Track engagement: identify students needing additional challenge or support. Monitor heart rate responses ensuring appropriate intensity. Observe assessment quality during peer feedback.

Intervention Points

Intervene immediately if: technique becomes dangerous, signs of over-exertion appear (excessive breathlessness, dizziness, chest pain), students not working within appropriate intensity zones, equipment being used incorrectly, peer interactions become negative. Provide technique coaching when form deteriorates. Support student leaders if struggling. Redirect discussions if off-topic. Adjust timings if needed based on class response.

Demonstration Notes

Use student demonstrators to increase engagement and provide peer models. Demonstrate both correct technique and common errors (exaggerated) for clarity. Show modifications for different ability levels simultaneously. Use 'pause and check' - freeze demonstrations for detailed technique points. Provide side-view and front-view of complex movements. Slow down demonstrations initially then show full speed. Use questioning during demonstrations: 'What do you notice about knee position?' Ensure all students can see - create semi-circle viewing arrangement.

Verbal Cues

•'Soft landings - bend those knees!'
•'Core engaged - belly button to spine!'
•'Breathe! Don't hold your breath during exertion!'
•'Quality over quantity - perfect form!'
•'Push yourself but listen to your body!'
•'10 seconds left - finish strong!'
•'Transition time - move quickly to next station!'
•'Check your technique - am I doing this safely?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor area minimum 20m x 30m to accommodate circuit stations with adequate spacing. Clear boundaries marked. Sufficient height clearance for jumping movements. Distance from walls/obstacles to prevent collisions.

Surface Check

Dry, even, non-slip surface essential for circuit training. Check for hazards: wet patches, equipment left from previous class, damaged flooring. Outdoor: grass must be even without holes, dry conditions only. Indoor: sports hall surface appropriate for athletic movements.

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All circuit equipment checked before lesson: no sharp edges on cones, resistance equipment intact
•Balls correctly inflated and undamaged
•Heart rate monitors charged and functioning correctly
•Equipment positioned securely at stations - no trip hazards
•Weight equipment (if used) appropriate for age group and clearly labelled
•First aid kit accessible in teaching area

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Muscle strains from inadequate warm-up or poor technique
•Cardiovascular over-exertion particularly for students with low fitness levels
•Collisions between students at circuit stations if spacing inadequate
•Equipment-related injuries from improper use or faulty equipment
•Falls during dynamic movements especially if surface is slippery
•Dizziness or fainting if heart rate elevated too quickly or recovery inadequate

Risk Mitigation

•Comprehensive 10-minute warm-up including dynamic stretching before circuit begins
•Clear demonstrations of all exercises with technique points emphasised
•Adequate spacing between circuit stations (minimum 3-4 metres)
•Progressive intensity build-up allowing cardiovascular system to adapt
•Continuous teacher monitoring of technique and signs of over-exertion
•Heart rate monitoring to ensure students work within safe zones (60-85% max HR)
•Differentiation allowing students to modify intensity and complexity appropriately
•Structured cool-down ensuring gradual heart rate reduction
•Water breaks encouraged between circuit rounds
•Emergency stop signal established and understood by all students

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Teacher positioned centrally to maintain visual contact with all circuit stations
•Student leader supervised closely during demonstrations and teaching
•Monitor high-activity/high-risk stations more frequently (jumping, resistance work)
•Watch for signs of over-exertion: excessive breathlessness, pale/flushed complexion, dizziness
•Ensure heart rate monitors used correctly and data interpreted safely
•Intervene immediately if technique becomes unsafe due to fatigue
•Monitor emotional state during peer assessment to prevent conflicts

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal (whistle blast) immediately halts all activity. Assess situation quickly. For minor injuries (strain, knock): RICE protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). For serious injuries or medical emergencies: send student for help, stay with injured student, apply appropriate first aid if trained, call for medical support. All incidents recorded in school accident book. Parents/carers informed of injuries. Asthma inhalers and EpiPens accessible if students require them.