Factors affecting performance

3. Training for conditions

Required Resources

• Video: Training for cold
• Video: Training for heat
• Student Worksheet 1

Delivery

• Show students the two videos, which features examples of Service Personnel training in extreme conditions in order to optimise their performance.
• Discuss the footage with students. You should make sure you draw out the distinction between acquiring the skills to perform under specific conditions e.g. in arctic tundra and acclimatising to these conditions (acclimatising is the act of adapting to a new or different environment).
• Students should now complete the final column in the table on Student Worksheet 1 which asks them to make recommendations for acclimatisation in each of the physical activities. They should note down how they think the people in the images could prepare themselves effectively before attempting to undertake the activities shown.

Differentiation

Lower Ability:

Lower ability students could complete the task in mixed ability pairs, conducting a discussion around how best to acclimatise to the situation.

Higher Ability:

Higher ability students can be asked to write a short paragraph explaining the skills which they think members of the British Armed Forces would need when training for operations in any of the environments shown in the pictures on Student Worksheet 2.