Lesson 5 - Athletics Competition Challenge
Technique & Excellence
•Year 3
•Athletics
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How can I challenge myself to improve my personal best performances in athletic events?
Learning Objectives
- Replicate the techniques for running, jumping and throwing events in competitive situations
- Challenge myself to beat previous performances while enjoying competition
- Measure my own and others' performances accurately and fairly
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct techniques across multiple athletic events
- Students will show improvement in personal performances and enjoy competitive challenges
- Students will accurately measure and record athletic performances
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed to pairs for warm-up activity
Alternative: Small soft balls, tennis balls
Mark boundaries, start/finish lines, and assessment stations
Alternative: Markers, domes
Set up 30-metre sprint lanes
Alternative: Rope lines, chalk marks
Set at appropriate height for Year 3 (30cm)
Alternative: Foam barriers, rope hurdles
Ensure thick safety mats surrounding landing area
Alternative: Foam barriers for height challenges
Clear takeoff line marked, safe landing area prepared
Alternative: Sand pit, large crash mats
Ensure throwing area is clear and safe
Alternative: Tennis balls, bean bags for throwing
One per group for distance measurements
Alternative: Rulers, marked ropes
One per group for timing sprint events
Alternative: Smartphone timers, wall clock
Pre-prepared with student names and event columns
Alternative: Clipboards with paper
For evidence collection and technique analysis
Alternative: Smartphone for recording
Key Vocabulary
Your best ever performance in a particular event
The correct way to perform a skill or movement
Competing against others or yourself to achieve the best performance
Using tools to accurately record distances, heights or times
Moving between different exercise stations in a set order
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running, jumping and throwing techniques
- Understanding of different athletic events
- Experience of measuring simple distances and times
Current Skills
- Applying techniques in competitive situations
- Personal challenge and goal setting
- Accurate performance measurement and recording
Next Steps
- Advanced technique refinement
- Understanding of training principles
- Leadership roles in athletic competitions
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Maintain technique focus even during competitive pressure
- Emphasise personal challenge and improvement over beating others
- Ensure safety protocols are followed at all throwing events
- Use specific technique language consistently across all events
- Balance competition with enjoyment and participation
- Link performance measurement to real athletic competitions
- Celebrate effort and improvement alongside achievement
Common Misconceptions
- Students think faster always means better - emphasise technique quality
- Belief that only winning matters - focus on personal improvement
- Assuming athletic ability is fixed - teach growth mindset
- Thinking measurement doesn't matter - link to real athletics
- Believing competition should be serious - maintain fun and enjoyment
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter time at each station, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback, movement between high and low intensity activities
dyspraxia
- Simplified equipment, larger targets, extra practice time, peer support for measuring, step-by-step technique breakdown
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of events, quiet zones available, predictable rotation system, advance warning of transitions
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of events, buddy system for measuring, tactile boundaries
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for timing, written instruction cards, visual rotation signals
physical disability
- Adapted distances and heights, seated throwing events, wheelchair racing options, modified equipment
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Using specific vocabulary to describe techniques, following complex instructions, reporting results clearly
Maths
Measuring distances and times, recording data in tables, comparing performances using greater than/less than
Science
Understanding forces in jumping and throwing, friction in running, body systems during exercise
PSHE
Setting personal goals, dealing with competition pressure, showing respect for others' achievements
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position allowing visibility of all five Olympic stations, rotating between high-risk areas
Observation Focus
Watch for technique maintenance under competitive pressure, safety compliance, positive sporting attitudes
Intervention Points
Step in when safety is compromised, technique breaks down significantly, or negative competitive behaviour emerges
Demonstration Notes
Use students as demonstrators where possible, show technique application under pressure, model positive competitive behaviour
Verbal Cues
- •'Focus on your technique, not just speed!'
- •'Challenge yourself, not just others!'
- •'Safety first - check your area is clear!'
- •'Encourage your teammates!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large outdoor area minimum 60m x 40m with additional safety zones around throwing areas
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, soft landing areas for jumping events
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all hurdles are stable and correct height
- •Ensure high jump mats are thick and properly positioned
- •Verify foam javelins are in good condition
- •Test measuring equipment for accuracy
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collision during sprint events
- •Falls during jumping activities
- •Javelin strikes from throwing events
- •Overexertion during competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear lanes marked for sprint events
- •Adequate spacing between all activity stations
- •Throwing areas clearly marked and supervised
- •Progressive skill building throughout unit
- •Clear safety briefing before each event
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all five stations
- •Extra supervision at throwing stations
- •Monitor high jump landing technique
- •Check measurement accuracy and fair play
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activities immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, complete accident report if necessary