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Lesson 6 - Athletics Competition Challenges

Technical Foundations

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Year 4

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Athletics

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59 min

Big Question

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

PE Equipment

2 stands with elastic

Place at landing areas for high jump and long jump

Alternative: Gymnastics mats or crash mats

Foam Javelins

6-8 javelins

Check for damage before use, establish clear throwing area

Alternative: Pool noodles or throwing sticks

Cones

20-30 cones

Mark boundaries, starting lines and event areas

Alternative: Markers or bean bags

Measuring Tapes

5 tapes

One per event station for recording distances

Alternative: Rulers or pre-marked distances

Hurdles

10-15 hurdles

Set at appropriate height for Year 4 students

Alternative: Cones with pool noodles across

Score Sheets

30 sheets

Pre-prepared with event names and measurement spaces

Alternative: Clipboards with blank paper

Balls

15 bean bags

For warm-up activities

Alternative: Soft balls or scarves

Key Vocabulary

Personal Best

Your best ever performance in a particular event or skill

Technique

The correct way to perform a skill to achieve the best result

Competitive Situation

When you are performing against others or trying to beat a target

Sprint

Running as fast as possible over a short distance

Javelin

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

Consistent technique across multiple events

Measurable improvement in personal performances

Positive attitude towards competition and challenge

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