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Lesson 5 - Athletics Competition Challenge

Technique & Excellence

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Year 3

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Athletics

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Big Question

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

Balls

15 (1 per pair)

Distributed to pairs for warm-up activity

Alternative: Small soft balls, tennis balls

Cones

20+ assorted colours

Mark boundaries, start/finish lines, and assessment stations

Alternative: Markers, domes

Markers

5 sets

Set up 30-metre sprint lanes

Alternative: Rope lines, chalk marks

Hurdles

15 (adjustable height)

Set at appropriate height for Year 3 (30cm)

Alternative: Foam barriers, rope hurdles

PE Equipment

1 set (mats, bar, stands)

Ensure thick safety mats surrounding landing area

Alternative: Foam barriers for height challenges

Mats

1 designated area

Clear takeoff line marked, safe landing area prepared

Alternative: Sand pit, large crash mats

Foam Javelins

Ensure throwing area is clear and safe

Alternative: Tennis balls, bean bags for throwing

Measuring Tapes

One per group for distance measurements

Alternative: Rulers, marked ropes

Stopwatch

One per group for timing sprint events

Alternative: Smartphone timers, wall clock

Score Sheets

30 (one per student)

Pre-prepared with student names and event columns

Alternative: Clipboards with paper

Digital Cameras

For evidence collection and technique analysis

Alternative: Smartphone for recording

Key Vocabulary

Personal Best

Your best ever performance in a particular event

Technique

The correct way to perform a skill or movement

Competition

Competing against others or yourself to achieve the best performance

Measurement

Using tools to accurately record distances, heights or times

Circuit Training

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

Consistent technique application under pressure

Evidence of personal performance improvement

Positive attitude towards competition and challenge

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