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Lesson 6 - Athletics Competition Day

Athletic Foundations & Play

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Year 1

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Athletics

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use our running, jumping and throwing skills to compete fairly and celebrate everyone's achievements?

Learning Objectives

To apply running, throwing and jumping skills in competitive situations
To work effectively both individually and as part of a team
To evaluate performance and identify areas for improvement

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate running, jumping and throwing techniques in a competition format
Students will show good sportsmanship and teamwork throughout the activities
Students will be able to reflect on their performance and suggest improvements

Equipment & Resources Required

Coloured Cones

20-30 mixed colours

Spread randomly around warm-up area, then use for event markers

Alternative: Coloured markers, spots, or laminated cards

Hoops

12-15

Used for assessment task and as event boundaries

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, or marked areas on ground

Balls

30-40

For throwing events and relay races

Alternative: Soft balls, foam balls, or bean-filled socks

Dish Cones

24 (4 per team area)

Define each team's competition area clearly

Alternative: Sports cones, plastic bottles, or chalk marks

Lines

6 lines

Clear starting positions for each event

Alternative: Masking tape, painted lines, or cone lines

Measuring Tapes

2-3

Optional for teachers to measure distances if recording results

Alternative: Marked measuring sticks or pre-measured distances

Key Vocabulary

Competition

An event where people try their best to see who can perform the best

Technique

The correct way to perform a skill

Sportsmanship

Being fair, kind and respectful to others when competing

Relay

A race where team members take turns, passing something between them

Target

Something you aim for when throwing

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic running with arm swing and good posture
Two-footed jumping with bend and spring
Underarm throwing with step and follow-through
Understanding of taking turns and following rules

Current Skills

Application of fundamental movement skills in competition
Working effectively in teams during competitive activities
Self-evaluation and performance reflection
Demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship

Next Steps

More advanced throwing techniques (overarm)
Running for longer distances with pacing
Jumping with more complex combinations
Leadership roles in team activities

Milestone Indicators

Maintains technique under competitive pressure

Shows consistent effort across all events

Demonstrates positive attitude win or lose

Can identify specific aspects of good performance

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise effort and improvement rather than just winning
Model and reinforce positive sportsmanship throughout
Ensure all children feel valued regardless of their performance level
Maintain focus on proper technique even during competition
Use competition as motivation while keeping it fun and supportive
Celebrate team achievements and individual progress equally
Connect activities to real athletics events children might have seen

Common Misconceptions

Competition is only about winning - correct by emphasising personal bests and effort
Faster/stronger children are 'better' at PE - correct by valuing improvement and attitude
You can't be good at athletics if you're not naturally fast - correct by showing technique improvements
Team events are only successful if you come first - correct by celebrating teamwork and support
Making mistakes means you're not trying hard enough - correct by praising attempts and learning from errors

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short event rotations, clear boundaries, frequent positive feedback, opportunities for movement breaks

dyspraxia

Larger equipment, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, focus on effort over accuracy

autism spectrum

Clear routine and structure, visual schedule of event rotations, quiet areas available if needed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of events, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for start/stop, written instruction cards for events

physical disability

Adapted distances and equipment, alternative throwing/jumping techniques, wheelchair-accessible events

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Using encouraging vocabulary, following verbal instructions, expressing feelings about performance

Maths

Counting team scores, measuring distances, timing events, understanding numerical order in competitions

Science

Understanding how muscles work during exercise, effects of physical activity on heart rate and breathing

PSHE

Teamwork, resilience, managing emotions in competitive situations, celebrating diversity of abilities

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move continuously between event stations, spending extra time at throwing events for safety

Observation Focus

Watch for maintained technique under pressure, positive team interactions, appropriate competitive behaviour

Intervention Points

Step in if competition becomes too intense, provide encouragement for struggling children, ensure fair play throughout

Demonstration Notes

Throughout competition, use positive examples from children to reinforce good technique and sportsmanship to the whole group

Verbal Cues

•'Great technique even in competition!'
•'Remember to support your teammates!'
•'Focus on your personal best!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor space or sports hall, minimum 30m x 20m with additional throwing areas

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from holes, stones, or other hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all markers and cones are stable and visible
•Ensure beanbags are intact with no loose contents
•Verify hoops lie flat and won't move when stepped near

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during relay events
•Trips and falls during running/jumping events
•Beanbag strikes during throwing events
•Over-exertion in competitive environment

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for each team area
•Throwing areas positioned away from other activities
•Adequate rest periods built into rotation system
•Continuous supervision with teacher moving between groups
•Clear start/stop signals for all activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all six event areas
•Pay particular attention to throwing events
•Monitor energy levels and competitive behaviour
•Ensure safe transitions between events

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, arrange additional support if needed