Lesson 6 - Athletics Competition Day
Athletic Fundamentals
•Year 4
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Mark out event areas and team zones clearly
Alternative: Markers, bean bags for boundaries
One per jumping/throwing event for accurate measurement
Alternative: Metre rulers, marked ground distances
Variety of safe throwing equipment for different events
Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls, foam javelins, quoits
Safe landing areas for jumping events
Alternative: Sand pit, marked grass area
For timing running events accurately
Alternative: Mobile phone timers, large display timer
Recording sheets for each event station
Alternative: Whiteboards, clipboards with paper
Clear team identification for organisation
Alternative: Coloured bands, house team shirts
Key Vocabulary
The correct way to perform an athletic skill for best results
Your own best performance in an event
Playing fairly and showing respect for teammates and opponents
Planning which events to compete in based on team strengths
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
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