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Big Question

How can we improve our running, jumping and throwing techniques to perform our best in athletics?

Learning Objectives

  • To develop technique when taking part in an athletics carousel
  • To apply fundamental movement skills across different athletic disciplines
  • To work cooperatively with partners while improving personal performance

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate improved running, jumping and throwing techniques
  • Students will work effectively with partners to support and measure performance
  • Students will identify their strengths in different athletic activities

Equipment & Resources Required

Balls
6

Store in container at each throwing station

Alternative: Small soft balls, tennis balls

Cones
10

Bright colours for visibility, stable base

Alternative: Markers, spots, chalk marks

Hurdles
6 (3 sets of 3)

Lowest height setting, lightweight for safety

Alternative: Pool noodles on cones, rope barriers

Clues Document
5 station cards

Weather-proof and clearly visible at each station

Alternative: Laminated instruction sheets, visual diagrams

Measuring Tapes
2

Optional for more precise measurements

Alternative: Marked cones for distance, counting steps

Stopwatch
1

Teacher controls timing for station rotations

Alternative: Smartphone timer, sand timer

Key Vocabulary

Sprint

Running as fast as possible over a short distance

Take-off

The moment when both feet leave the ground in jumping

Target

The object or area you are aiming at when throwing

Rhythm

A regular pattern of movement, especially when running over hurdles

Technique

The correct way to perform a skill or movement

Personal Best

Your best ever performance in an activity

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic running with changes of direction
  • Simple two-footed jumping
  • Underarm throwing with bean bags

Current Skills

  • Sprinting with proper stride technique
  • Standing long jump with arm swing
  • Target throwing with accuracy
  • Hurdle technique and rhythm

Next Steps

  • Athletics competition preparation
  • Advanced throwing techniques
  • Multi-event athletics challenges

Milestone Indicators

1
Maintains good posture during sprinting
2
Uses arms effectively in jumping
3
Shows consistent throwing technique
4
Demonstrates good sportsmanship

Key Teaching Points

  • Emphasise personal best rather than competition between students
  • Ensure partners actively support and encourage each other throughout
  • Focus on correct technique over speed or distance in all activities
  • Use positive reinforcement to maintain effort levels across all stations
  • Connect athletics skills to health and fitness benefits
  • Celebrate diversity in strengths across different athletic disciplines
  • Maintain enthusiasm and energy while teaching proper technique

Common Misconceptions

  • Faster always means better - correct by emphasising technique and personal improvement
  • Only naturally gifted students can succeed in athletics - show how practice improves everyone
  • Athletics is just about individual performance - highlight importance of teamwork and support
  • Winning is most important - refocus on effort, improvement and enjoyment
  • Some stations are more important than others - value all athletics disciplines equally

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Shorter station times, frequent positive feedback, clear boundaries, movement breaks incorporated
dyspraxia
  • Larger targets, simplified movement patterns, extra demonstration time, partner support for coordination
autism spectrum
  • Clear visual schedules, consistent routines, quiet zones if needed, advance warning of transitions
visual impairment
  • Use bright coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance, tactile markers for boundaries
hearing impairment
  • Visual demonstrations, hand signals for timing, written instruction cards, partner support for communication
physical disability
  • Adapted distances and heights, seated throwing options, modified hurdles or alternatives, focus on personal improvement

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following instructions, using specific vocabulary, explaining techniques to others

Maths

Counting lengths and jumps, measuring distances, timing activities, comparing scores and improvements

Science

Understanding body systems during exercise, forces in jumping and throwing, heart rate changes

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, supporting others, dealing with disappointment, celebrating success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position for station overview, circulate regularly to provide feedback and ensure safety

Observation Focus

Monitor technique application, partner cooperation, effort levels, and safety awareness

Intervention Points

Step in when technique needs correction, safety concerns arise, or partner conflicts develop

Demonstration Notes

Use students as positive examples, exaggerate key movements for clarity, connect to previous learning

Verbal Cues
  • 'Big strides for sprinting!'
  • 'Both feet together for jumping!'
  • 'Point at your target!'
  • 'Count your steps - one, two, over!'
  • 'Encourage your partner!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large teaching space minimum 30m x 40m for five separate stations with adequate spacing

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from holes or obstacles, appropriate for running and jumping

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Hurdles at lowest height setting and lightweight design
  • Bean bags soft and in good condition
  • Cones stable and visible
  • Regular equipment checks for damage

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Collisions between students during sprinting
  • Falls during jumping activities
  • Bean bag strikes during throwing
  • Trips over hurdles
  • Overexertion during intense activity
Risk Mitigation
  • Clear pathways marked between stations
  • Adequate spacing between all activities
  • Partner system for safety monitoring
  • Progressive skill development
  • Regular hydration breaks
  • Appropriate rest periods during rotations

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Teacher positioned centrally for overview of all stations
  • Regular circulation to each station
  • Monitor high-activity areas closely
  • Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately with whistle signal, assess any injuries, appropriate first aid response, clear evacuation routes identified