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Lesson 6 - Sports Day Competition

Foundational Athletics: Building Technique and Competitive Confidence

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Year 3

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Athletics

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1h 30min

Big Question

How can we use all our athletic skills to compete fairly and celebrate everyone's achievements?

Learning Objectives

To apply running, jumping and throwing skills in competitive situations
To demonstrate fair play and good sportsmanship during competition
To work effectively as part of a team whilst supporting others

Key Outcomes

Students will compete in athletics events using previously learned techniques
Students will show respect for competitors and officials during events
Students will celebrate achievements and encourage teammates throughout the day

Equipment & Resources Required

Measuring Tapes

At throwing and jumping stations for recording distances

Alternative: Marked lines on ground, hop scotch numbers

Balls

Different colours for each house team if possible

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls, soft cricket balls

Cones

Mark start/finish lines, event boundaries and queuing areas

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, sports markers

Ropes

For relay races and quick movement activities

Alternative: Elastic bands, ribbon streamers

Stopwatch

One per event station for timing activities

Alternative: Mobile phone timers, countdown apps

Clipboards

Waterproof covers recommended for outdoor use

Alternative: Digital recording on tablets, simple tally charts

Team bibs

120

Different colour for each house team for easy identification

Alternative: Coloured stickers, house t-shirts, arm bands

First Aid Kit

Centrally located and clearly marked for all staff

Alternative: Basic plasters and ice packs minimum

Key Vocabulary

Competition

An event where people try their best to win fairly against others

Sportsmanship

Being fair, respectful and encouraging to all competitors

Personal Best

Your own best performance, regardless of where you finish

Relay

A race where team members take turns to complete the distance

Event

Each different athletic activity like running, jumping or throwing

Official

The person who makes sure rules are followed and records results

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic running techniques and sprint starts
Fundamental jumping skills including standing long jump
Throwing techniques for accuracy and distance
Understanding of fair play and competition rules

Current Skills

Applying learned skills in competitive situations
Managing emotions during competition
Supporting teammates and showing sportsmanship
Following complex event rotations and timing

Next Steps

Refined techniques in specific athletic disciplines
Leadership roles in organising athletics events
Advanced competitive strategies and tactics
Mentoring younger students in athletic skills

Milestone Indicators

Consistent technique during competitive pressure

Positive attitude regardless of results

Active encouragement of all participants

Understanding of scoring systems and fair play

Key Teaching Points

Competition should celebrate effort and improvement, not just winning
Athletic technique must be maintained even under competitive pressure
Sportsmanship and team support are as important as individual performance
Every student should feel successful regardless of their competitive results
House team identity builds belonging while respecting all competitors
Personal best achievements matter more than beating other people
Fair play and following rules creates enjoyable competition for everyone

Common Misconceptions

Only fast/strong students can be successful in athletics - correct by celebrating all improvements
Winning is more important than trying hard - emphasise effort and sportsmanship over results
Boys are naturally better at athletics than girls - ensure equal opportunities and recognition
Competition means being mean to opponents - teach respect and support for all competitors
If you're not first, you've failed - celebrate personal bests and team contributions
Athletic ability cannot be improved - show how practice develops everyone's skills

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent movement between activities, clear short instructions, regular positive reinforcement, structured team responsibilities

dyspraxia

Extra practice time, simplified equipment, step-by-step instruction cards, celebration of effort over performance

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of events, quiet areas available, advance warning of transitions, consistent routines throughout

visual impairment

Bright coloured equipment, tactile boundaries for event areas, verbal descriptions of all activities, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Visual signals for rotations, written instructions at each station, clear demonstration of all activities, use of hand signals

physical disability

Modified distances and equipment, seated throwing events, alternative scoring systems, wheelchair accessible routes

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Recording and comparing athletic results, calculating house team scores, measuring distances and timing events

Science

Understanding forces in throwing and jumping, effects of exercise on body, weather conditions affecting performance

Geography

Using directional language for event rotations, understanding space and positioning in field events

PSHE

Teamwork, resilience when not winning, celebrating diversity of abilities, managing emotions during competition

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between event stations to monitor safety and encourage all participants

Observation Focus

Watch for consistent athletic technique, positive sportsmanship, and signs of fatigue

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe behaviour, poor sportsmanship, or students becoming distressed

Demonstration Notes

Model excellent sportsmanship, celebrate all achievements equally, show enthusiasm for athletic performance

Verbal Cues

•'Remember your technique training!'
•'Great sportsmanship!'
•'Try your personal best!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area minimum 80m x 60m with multiple event stations, clear boundaries between activities

Surface Check

Level grass or playground surface, free from holes, wet patches or debris that could cause slips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All throwing equipment soft and age-appropriate
•Measuring tapes secured and not creating trip hazards
•Cones positioned to avoid collision risks during running
•Sprint lanes clearly marked to prevent crossing accidents

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during running events
•Overexertion during prolonged competition
•Throwing equipment injuries
•Trip hazards from equipment or uneven ground

Risk Mitigation

•Clear running lanes and throwing areas established
•Adult supervision at each event station
•Regular hydration breaks, especially in warm weather
•First aid kit accessible and staff trained in basic first aid
•Modified activities for students with medical conditions

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Minimum one adult per event station
•Roving supervision to monitor all activities
•Clear sight lines maintained across all events
•Additional support for any students with special needs

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activities immediately with loud whistle signal, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required, account for all students