Lesson 6 - Athletics Competition Day
Athletic Foundations & Play
•Year 1
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Spread randomly around warm-up area, then use for event markers
Alternative: Coloured markers, spots, or laminated cards
Used for assessment task and as event boundaries
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, or marked areas on ground
For throwing events and relay races
Alternative: Soft balls, foam balls, or bean-filled socks
Define each team's competition area clearly
Alternative: Sports cones, plastic bottles, or chalk marks
Clear starting positions for each event
Alternative: Masking tape, painted lines, or cone lines
Optional for teachers to measure distances if recording results
Alternative: Marked measuring sticks or pre-measured distances
Key Vocabulary
An event where people try their best to see who can perform the best
The correct way to perform a skill
Being fair, kind and respectful to others when competing
A race where team members take turns, passing something between them
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
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