Lesson 4 - Athletics Competition - Mixed Events
Foundational Athletics: Building Technique and Competitive Confidence
•Year 3
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use our athletics skills to compete fairly and support our teammates in a multi-event competition?
Learning Objectives
- To apply running, jumping, and throwing techniques in competitive situations
- To demonstrate fair play and teamwork during athletics competitions
- To evaluate performance and provide constructive feedback to teammates
Key Outcomes
- Students will compete in multiple athletics events using correct techniques
- Students will work effectively as team members, supporting and encouraging others
- Students will demonstrate understanding of competition rules and scoring systems
Equipment & Resources Required
Mark 100m circular track and event stations
Alternative: Markers, bibs, or chalk for track marking
Place in throwing zone with safety markers
Alternative: Pool noodles, foam tubes, or tennis balls for throwing
Store in designated throwing area
Alternative: Frisbees, foam plates, or bean bags
Use in contained throwing circle
Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls, or soft weighted balls
Position with clear run-up areas
Alternative: Sand pit, soft landing area, or gym mats
Set at appropriate height for Year 3 students
Alternative: Cones with pool noodles, skipping ropes, or chalk lines
One per field event station
Alternative: Metre sticks, trundle wheels, or marked ground
Include event list and points system
Alternative: Whiteboards, clipboards, or large paper
Four different colours for team identification
Alternative: Coloured t-shirts, arm bands, or house colours
For timing running events
Alternative: Mobile phone timers or large display timer
Key Vocabulary
Running at maximum speed over a short distance
Running at a steady pace over longer distances
Athletics events involving jumping or throwing for distance or height
The correct way to perform a skill for best results
Competing honestly and respectfully within the rules
Watching performance carefully and identifying strengths and areas for improvement
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running technique with arms and legs coordination
- Fundamental jumping movements including take-off and landing
- Basic throwing technique with three phases (prepare, throw, follow-through)
- Understanding of fair play and taking turns
Current Skills
- Application of techniques under competitive pressure
- Team organisation and event selection strategies
- Performance evaluation and peer coaching
- Competition etiquette and sportsmanship
Next Steps
- Advanced technique refinement for specific events
- Training programme development for athletics improvement
- Leadership roles in organising school sports events
- Inter-school competition preparation
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Maintain proper technique even under competitive pressure
- Support all teammates regardless of ability level
- Follow safety rules consistently in all events
- Focus on personal improvement alongside team success
- Demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times
- Apply previous learning from individual skill sessions
- Evaluate performance to identify areas for improvement
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking competition is only about winning rather than improvement and participation
- Believing that only naturally gifted students can succeed in athletics
- Assuming throwing harder always means throwing further or more accurately
- Thinking that being competitive means being unsupportive of others
- Believing that mistakes in competition mean failure rather than learning opportunities
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Use shorter event rotations, provide clear boundaries and structure, give specific roles and responsibilities
dyspraxia
- Simplify movement patterns, provide additional practice time, use larger/easier to handle equipment
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedule of events, allow breaks if overwhelmed, maintain consistent routines and expectations
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of events, assign sighted guide partners for navigation
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals for starts, provide written instructions, use hand signals and demonstrations
physical disability
- Adapt distances and heights, provide seated throwing options, use lighter implements, focus on participation
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring distances and times, calculating team scores, recording and comparing results, understanding units of measurement
Science
Understanding forces in throwing and jumping, body systems during exercise, effects of training on performance
Geography
Understanding compass directions for throwing events, mapping event layouts, measuring distances and areas
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, celebrating diversity in abilities, managing emotions during competition
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Rotate between event stations to provide guidance and ensure safety at all activities
Observation Focus
Watch for correct technique application, positive team dynamics, and adherence to safety rules
Intervention Points
Step in if unsafe practices occur, students exclude others, or competition becomes too intense
Demonstration Notes
Show clear examples of good technique and sportsmanship, emphasising safety throughout all demonstrations
Verbal Cues
- •'Great technique, remember your coaching points!'
- •'Excellent teamwork, everyone is contributing!'
- •'That's proper sportsmanship, well done!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 100m circular track plus four separate field event areas, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from holes, stones, or slippery areas
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all foam implements are in good condition with no tears
- •Ensure hurdles are stable and set at appropriate height
- •Verify measuring equipment is working properly and safe to use
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during running events
- •Slips and falls on track surface
- •Implement strikes in field events
- •Overexertion during competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear separation between competing and spectating students
- •Use only foam implements for throwing events
- •Proper warm-up to prevent muscle strains
- •Teacher supervision at each event station
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position teachers at each field event for safety oversight
- •Maintain clear sight lines across all activity areas
- •Monitor students for signs of fatigue or overexertion
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activities immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students remain safely in designated areas