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Lesson 6 - Athletics Competition & Scoring

Movement Mastery

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Year 3

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Athletics

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Big Question

How can we work together as a team to achieve our best performance whilst accurately recording our progress?

Learning Objectives

Participate effectively in running, throwing and jumping activities
Work collaboratively as a team to accurately score points across multiple athletics events
Identify and implement strategies to improve individual and team performance

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate competence in multiple athletics disciplines
Teams will successfully maintain accurate scoring systems throughout the competition
Students will suggest and implement specific improvements to enhance performance

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

20-30

Used to mark shuttle run distances and station boundaries

Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk lines

Hurdles

6-8 (adjustable height)

Set at appropriate height for Year 3 - approximately 30cm

Alternative: Pool noodles on cones, rope barriers, chalk lines to step over

Tennis Balls

15-20

Ensure all throwing implements are soft and safe for children

Alternative: Bean bags, soft balls, pool noodles

Hoops

4-6

Various sizes for different difficulty levels

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, cones in square formation

Clipboards

7 (one per team)

Must be sturdy enough for outdoor writing

Alternative: Hard books, folders, or tablets

Pencils

6-8

Attach to clipboards with string to prevent loss

Alternative: Pens, markers, or digital devices

Score Sheets

6-8 (pre-printed)

Include team name space and tally boxes for each station

Alternative: Blank paper with station names written

Stopwatch

2-3

For timing jumping activities and station rotations

Alternative: Phone timers, class timer visible to all

Key Vocabulary

Athletics

Track and field sports involving running, jumping, and throwing

Shuttle run

Running back and forth between two points as quickly as possible

Hurdles

Barriers to jump over while running at speed

Target throwing

Throwing an object accurately at a specific target or area

Personal best

Your own best performance in a particular activity

Sportsmanship

Fair play, respect for opponents, and gracious winning or losing

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic running, jumping and throwing movements from previous athletics lessons
Understanding of javelin throwing technique from lesson 4
Experience working in small groups for PE activities
Basic counting and recording skills from previous lessons

Current Skills

Competitive athletics performance under pressure
Team collaboration and communication during competition
Accurate score recording and mathematical calculation
Performance analysis and improvement strategies

Next Steps

Inter-school athletics competitions
Advanced athletics techniques and personal best tracking
Leadership roles in organising athletics events
Sports Day preparation and event management

Milestone Indicators

Maintains consistent technique across all five athletics stations

Accurately records and calculates team scores without adult support

Demonstrates sportsmanship and encouragement throughout competition

Shows measurable improvement between first and second attempts

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise technique development over pure speed or distance in all athletics activities
Model and expect excellent sportsmanship throughout the competitive format
Ensure accurate mathematical recording becomes part of the team challenge
Use the competition format to build teamwork rather than individual comparison
Connect athletics techniques to previous lessons and real athletic performance
Celebrate improvement between rounds as much as final results
Maintain high energy while ensuring safety remains the top priority

Common Misconceptions

Thinking that hurdles should be jumped over rather than stepped over efficiently
Believing that throwing harder always results in better accuracy
Assuming that speed is more important than technique in all athletics activities
Thinking that winning is more important than improvement and effort
Believing that athletics is only about individual performance rather than team support
Assuming that scoring systems are too complex for Year 3 students to manage independently

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter station times, clear role assignments within teams, frequent positive feedback, movement breaks built into activity

dyspraxia

Larger targets for throwing, simplified jumping activities, buddy support for scoring, extra practice time if needed

autism spectrum

Clear routine for rotations, visual schedule of stations, quiet space available if needed, predictable timing and structure

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of all activities, buddy system for guidance, tactile markers for boundaries

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, written scoresheet instructions, hand signals for rotations, visual timers

physical disability

Modified distances for running, seated throwing versions, alternative jumping activities, adapted scoring systems

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Team communication, explaining rules to teammates, reading scoresheet instructions, using athletics vocabulary

Science

Understanding forces in throwing, momentum in running, energy and movement in athletics

PSHE

Teamwork, sportsmanship, dealing with competition results, supporting others, building resilience

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position with ability to observe all stations, rotating to provide specific guidance

Observation Focus

Watch for proper athletics technique, safe equipment use, accurate score recording, and positive team dynamics

Intervention Points

Step in if technique becomes unsafe, scores are being recorded incorrectly, or team dynamics become negative

Demonstration Notes

Show proper athletics techniques clearly, model positive team communication, demonstrate accurate scoring methods

Verbal Cues

•'Pump those arms for speed!'
•'Step over the hurdle, don't jump!'
•'Aim carefully at the target!'
•'Encourage your teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area minimum 40m x 30m, or large sports hall with high ceiling

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles, adequate grip for running activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check hurdles are stable and appropriate height for Year 3
•Ensure all throwing implements are soft and safe
•Verify targets are securely positioned and visible
•Confirm cones are not cracked or have sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during shuttle runs and hurdle activities
•Trips and falls during jumping activities
•Throwing implement strikes to students or equipment
•Overexertion during competitive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established at all stations with adequate safety zones
•Throwing activities positioned away from other stations
•Progressive skill building with technique emphasis before speed
•Regular rest periods and hydration breaks during competition
•Teacher positioned to observe all stations simultaneously

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position centrally to maintain visual contact with all five stations
•Rotate actively to provide close supervision of throwing activities
•Monitor for signs of fatigue and overexertion in competitive environment
•Ensure clear communication between teacher and teams during rotations

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activities immediately with clear signal, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students remain safely positioned