Lesson 6 - Sports Day Competition
Foundational Athletics: Building Technique and Competitive Confidence
•Year 3
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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- Complete activity instructions & timing
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- Assessment guidance & success criteria
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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
At throwing and jumping stations for recording distances
Alternative: Marked lines on ground, hop scotch numbers
Different colours for each house team if possible
Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls, soft cricket balls
Mark start/finish lines, event boundaries and queuing areas
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, sports markers
For relay races and quick movement activities
Alternative: Elastic bands, ribbon streamers
One per event station for timing activities
Alternative: Mobile phone timers, countdown apps
Waterproof covers recommended for outdoor use
Alternative: Digital recording on tablets, simple tally charts
Different colour for each house team for easy identification
Alternative: Coloured stickers, house t-shirts, arm bands
Centrally located and clearly marked for all staff
Alternative: Basic plasters and ice packs minimum
Key Vocabulary
An event where people try their best to win fairly against others
Being fair, respectful and encouraging to all competitors
Your own best performance, regardless of where you finish
A race where team members take turns to complete the distance
Each different athletic activity like running, jumping or throwing
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
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