🏃

Lesson 6 - Athletics Competition Day

Athletic Fundamentals

•

Year 4

•

Athletics

•

Big Question

How can we demonstrate our best athletic performance while showing excellent teamwork and sportsmanship?

Learning Objectives

To apply jumping, throwing and running techniques learned in competition situations
To work collaboratively as part of a team whilst demonstrating good sportsmanship
To evaluate and support teammates' performances using technical knowledge

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate their best athletic techniques in competitive events
Students will show leadership and teamwork skills throughout the competition
Students will provide constructive feedback to help teammates improve

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

20-30

Mark out event areas and team zones clearly

Alternative: Markers, bean bags for boundaries

Measuring Tapes

4-6

One per jumping/throwing event for accurate measurement

Alternative: Metre rulers, marked ground distances

Throwing Implements

12-16 items

Variety of safe throwing equipment for different events

Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls, foam javelins, quoits

Mats

2-4

Safe landing areas for jumping events

Alternative: Sand pit, marked grass area

Stopwatch

4-6

For timing running events accurately

Alternative: Mobile phone timers, large display timer

Score Sheets

8-12

Recording sheets for each event station

Alternative: Whiteboards, clipboards with paper

Team bibs

30 (4 colours)

Clear team identification for organisation

Alternative: Coloured bands, house team shirts

Key Vocabulary

Technique

The correct way to perform an athletic skill for best results

Personal Best

Your own best performance in an event

Sportsmanship

Playing fairly and showing respect for teammates and opponents

Strategy

Planning which events to compete in based on team strengths

Competition

An organised contest where athletes try to perform their best

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic running technique with arm action and foot placement
Fundamental jumping techniques - long jump and vertical jumping
Throwing techniques using pull-throw and push-throw actions
Understanding of competition rules and scoring systems

Current Skills

Applying learned techniques under competitive pressure
Strategic thinking about event selection and team organisation
Performance analysis and peer coaching skills
Leadership and sportsmanship in competitive situations

Next Steps

Advanced athletic techniques with focus on power and speed
Complex tactical decision making in team competitions
Detailed performance analysis using technical criteria
Officiating and organising athletic events independently

Milestone Indicators

Maintains technique quality when under competitive pressure

Demonstrates clear leadership and communication skills

Provides specific, helpful feedback to teammates

Shows resilience and positive attitude regardless of results

Key Teaching Points

Maintain technique quality even under competitive pressure
Emphasise personal best achievement over beating others
Foster team spirit whilst promoting individual excellence
Celebrate effort and improvement alongside winning
Develop strategic thinking through event selection
Build confidence through positive peer support systems
Connect athletic performance to technique understanding

Common Misconceptions

Competition is only about winning - correct by emphasising personal improvement and team contribution
Technique doesn't matter if you're strong - show how proper technique improves all performance
You must be naturally gifted to succeed in athletics - demonstrate how practice and effort develop skills
Individual events don't require teamwork - highlight importance of team support and strategy
Competition means you can't help opponents - promote sportsmanship and fair play values

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear role assignments, regular positive reinforcement, movement opportunities between events

dyspraxia

Simplified technique focus, larger equipment where possible, extra practice time, step-by-step visual guides

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of event rotation, designated quiet zone for breaks, consistent routines throughout

visual impairment

Use bright markers for boundaries, verbal descriptions of all events, buddy system for guidance around events

hearing impairment

Clear visual signals for starts, written instructions at each station, visual demonstration of all techniques

physical disability

Adapted implements for easier grip, seated throwing events, modified distances, alternative scoring methods

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication in team discussions, descriptive language for technique feedback

Maths

Measuring distances and recording scores, timing events, calculating team totals and averages

Science

Understanding forces in throwing, energy transfer in jumping, muscle groups during different activities

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with competition results, showing respect and fairness to others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move constantly between event stations to provide support and ensure safety standards

Observation Focus

Monitor technique maintenance under pressure, team cooperation, and competitive behaviour

Intervention Points

Step in if safety concerns arise, technique coaching needed, or unsporting behaviour occurs

Demonstration Notes

Model excellent sportsmanship, provide clear technique reminders, show enthusiasm for all achievements

Verbal Cues

•'Remember your technique!' during events
•'Support your teammates!' when energy drops
•'Celebrate everyone's effort!' during results

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area minimum 50m x 30m with additional run-off space around track

Surface Check

Level, firm ground free from holes, debris or wet areas that could cause slips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check throwing implements are in good condition with no sharp edges
•Verify measuring tapes retract safely and have no damaged parts
•Ensure mats are positioned correctly and securely for jumping events
•Test stopwatches are working accurately for timing events

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during running events, especially at finish lines
•Injuries from throwing implements if safety zones not maintained
•Falls during jumping events if landing areas inadequate
•Overexertion in competitive atmosphere

Risk Mitigation

•Clear lane marking and discipline enforced in running events
•Designated safety zones around all throwing events with spotters
•Proper landing areas prepared and checked for jumping events
•Regular hydration breaks and monitoring of student fatigue levels

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position adults at each event station for direct supervision
•Maintain clear sight lines across all competition areas
•Ensure immediate access to first aid kit and qualified first aider
•Have clear emergency procedures communicated to all staff

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately with whistle signal, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required