Lesson 6 - Athletics Competition Challenges
Technical Foundations
•Year 4
•Athletics
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How can we use our athletic skills in competition while supporting and encouraging others?
Learning Objectives
- To replicate running, jumping and throwing techniques in competitive situations
- To challenge themselves to beat previous performances and achieve personal bests
- To enjoy competing whilst demonstrating sportsmanship and fair play
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate consistent technique across all athletic events during competition
- Students will show improvement on previous performances and celebrate achievements
- Students will compete with enthusiasm whilst supporting teammates and opponents
Equipment & Resources Required
Place at landing areas for high jump and long jump
Alternative: Gymnastics mats or crash mats
Check for damage before use, establish clear throwing area
Alternative: Pool noodles or throwing sticks
Mark boundaries, starting lines and event areas
Alternative: Markers or bean bags
One per event station for recording distances
Alternative: Rulers or pre-marked distances
Set at appropriate height for Year 4 students
Alternative: Cones with pool noodles across
Pre-prepared with event names and measurement spaces
Alternative: Clipboards with blank paper
For warm-up activities
Alternative: Soft balls or scarves
Key Vocabulary
Your best ever performance in a particular event or skill
The correct way to perform a skill to achieve the best result
When you are performing against others or trying to beat a target
Running as fast as possible over a short distance
A throwing event using a long spear-like implement
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running, jumping and throwing techniques from previous lessons
- Understanding of athletic event rules and safety procedures
- Experience of measuring and recording performances
Current Skills
- Applying techniques consistently in competitive situations
- Self-monitoring and improving personal performances
- Supporting others whilst competing
Next Steps
- Advanced competitive strategies and tactics
- Inter-school athletics competitions
- Officiating and judging athletic events
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise personal improvement over competitive placement throughout all events
- Maintain focus on proper technique even under competitive pressure
- Use event-specific preparation to optimise performance and safety
- Connect athletic skills to school games values and character development
- Document evidence of students enjoying competition and challenging themselves
- Balance competitive excitement with supportive, inclusive atmosphere
- Ensure accurate measuring and recording to track genuine progress
Common Misconceptions
- Competition means winning is most important - correct by emphasising personal bests and technique
- Athletic ability is fixed - show how technique and practice lead to improvement
- Only fast/strong students can succeed in athletics - celebrate effort and personal progress
- Measuring doesn't matter in competition - explain importance of tracking improvement
- School games values don't matter when competing - demonstrate how they enhance performance
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent activity changes built in, clear role definitions, regular positive feedback, physical activity to maintain focus
dyspraxia
- Larger implements for easier handling, simplified technique focus, extra practice time, peer support for measuring and recording
autism spectrum
- Clear structure with visual timetables, quiet zones available, consistent routines, advance warning of transitions between events
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured equipment, clear verbal descriptions of techniques, tactile markers for run-up distances, audio cues for event changes
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all techniques, written instruction cards, hand signals for start/stop, clear visual rotation indicators
physical disability
- Modified implements (lighter javelins, lower hurdles), seated throwing events, alternative measuring methods, wheelchair accessible areas
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Using descriptive language to explain techniques, vocabulary development, reading and recording data accurately
Maths
Measuring distances and heights, recording data, calculating personal improvements, timing events, comparing performances
Science
Understanding forces in throwing, leverage in jumping, momentum in running, body systems during exercise
Geography
Mapping throwing distances, understanding spatial awareness, directions and angles in athletics
PSHE
Building self-confidence, resilience in competition, celebrating personal achievements, respecting others' efforts
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position allowing visibility of all five athletics events, rotate between stations during competition
Observation Focus
Technical consistency under competitive pressure, evidence of personal improvement, demonstration of school games values
Intervention Points
["Step in if competitive pressure becomes overwhelming", "Provide technical reminders when technique deteriorates", "Ensure measuring and recording remains accurate", "Address any unsporting behaviour immediately"]
Demonstration Notes
Use student demonstrations to reinforce key teaching points Film evidence of progression and enjoyment for assessment Highlight examples of school games values in action Show connections between preparation and performance
Verbal Cues
- •'Technique first, speed second!'
- •'How can you improve on that attempt?'
- •'Show me those school games values!'
- •'Remember what we practised in previous lessons!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large sports hall or outdoor area minimum 40m x 30m with distinct zones for each athletic event
Surface Check
Dry, even surface essential, check for obstacles and hazards in all throwing and running areas
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all mats are positioned correctly under jumping areas
- •Inspect foam javelins for damage before use
- •Ensure hurdles are appropriate height and stable
- •Verify measuring equipment is accurate and safe
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during running events
- •Unsafe landings in jumping events
- •Javelin throwing accidents
- •Hurdle catches and falls
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear event boundaries with no overlapping activity zones
- •Constant supervision of throwing events
- •Mandatory mat checks before each jumping attempt
- •Safe retrieval procedures for javelins
- •Appropriate hurdle heights for Year 4 students
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all five events simultaneously
- •Extra attention to javelin safety zones and retrieval
- •Monitor high jump mat positioning continuously
- •Watch for fatigue and overexertion during rotations
Emergency Procedures
Immediate stop protocol for all events, first aid trained teacher present, clear access routes for emergency services