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Lesson 5 - Athletics Competition - Team Events

Competitive Athletics: From Personal Excellence to Sports Leadership

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Year 6

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Athletics

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Big Question

How can we apply all our athletics skills to compete fairly and support our teammates in a mini Olympics?

Learning Objectives

To demonstrate proficient technique in running, jumping and throwing events within a competitive format
To work collaboratively to select team members for appropriate events based on individual strengths
To evaluate performance and provide constructive feedback to peers during competition

Key Outcomes

Students will compete in athletics events using correct technique consistently
Students will demonstrate strategic thinking when selecting team members for events
Students will support teammates through positive encouragement and tactical advice

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

20-30

Mark out running track lanes and field event areas

Alternative: Markers, bean bags

Javelins

7 foam or plastic

Store safely in designated throwing area

Alternative: Pool noodles, cardboard tubes

Shot Put

4-6 junior weight

Various weights available for different abilities

Alternative: Tennis balls, bean bags

Discus

4-6 rubber or foam

Safe throwing implements appropriate for age group

Alternative: Frisbees, paper plates

Hurdles

7 adjustable

Set at appropriate height for Year 6 students

Alternative: Cones with poles, skipping ropes

Measuring Tapes

For measuring jumping and throwing distances

Alternative: Metre rulers, marked ground

Stopwatch

4-6

One per team for timing events

Alternative: Phone timers, large clock

Score Sheets

4 sets

For teams to record results and points

Alternative: Clipboards with paper

Key Vocabulary

Sprint

A short-distance race run at maximum speed

Long distance

Running events that require pacing and endurance over longer distances

Triple jump

A jumping event consisting of hop, step and jump phases

Javelin

A throwing event using a spear-like implement

Shot put

A throwing event using a heavy metal ball pushed from the shoulder

Strategy

Planning which team members compete in which events based on their strengths

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic running, jumping and throwing techniques from previous athletics units
Understanding of competition rules and fair play
Experience working in teams and supporting others

Current Skills

Applying athletics techniques under competitive pressure
Strategic team selection and event planning
Peer evaluation and coaching during competition

Next Steps

Advanced athletics techniques and training methods
Leadership roles in organising school sports events
Detailed performance analysis and improvement planning

Milestone Indicators

Maintains technique quality during competitive situations

Makes thoughtful decisions about team strategy

Provides constructive feedback that helps others improve

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise technique maintenance under competitive pressure
Foster inclusive team selection based on individual strengths
Promote sportsmanship and respect for all competitors
Use peer coaching to develop analytical and communication skills
Balance competition with fun and personal achievement
Connect athletics skills to Olympic values and real-world applications
Encourage strategic thinking in event selection and race tactics

Common Misconceptions

Thinking only winning matters rather than personal improvement and effort
Believing that strength alone determines athletics success instead of technique
Assuming faster athletes should do all events rather than matching skills to events
Focusing only on individual performance rather than team support and cooperation
Thinking athletics is only for naturally talented students rather than skills that can be developed

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear role assignments, movement opportunities, immediate feedback and recognition

dyspraxia

Simplified equipment, extra practice time, buddy support system, focus on effort over technical perfection

autism spectrum

Clear routine and structure, advance warning of transitions, quiet space available, visual schedule of events

visual impairment

Use bright, contrasting equipment, verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system for guidance, tactile markers for areas

hearing impairment

Clear visual signals for race starts, written instruction cards, visual demonstration focus, sign language support if available

physical disability

Modified events with appropriate equipment, seated throwing events, shorter distances, inclusive team roles

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances and times, calculating points totals, comparing performance data, understanding averages

Science

Forces in throwing and jumping, energy transfer in running, biomechanics of efficient movement

Geography

Understanding distances and scales, mapping athletics venues, Olympic host cities

History

Olympic Games history, development of athletics events, famous athletes through time

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with competition pressure, respect and sportsmanship, celebrating diversity

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position with good visibility of all competition areas, move between events to provide support

Observation Focus

Monitor technique quality under pressure, sportsmanship demonstration, strategic thinking in team selections

Intervention Points

Step in if technique becomes unsafe, support inclusive team selections, address poor sportsmanship immediately

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Key technique reminders before each event, model excellent sportsmanship, show strategic thinking

Verbal Cues

•'Technique first, then speed!'
•'Support all athletes, not just your team!'
•'Show me Olympic values in action!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large sports hall or outdoor field area, minimum 40m x 40m with additional throwing areas

Surface Check

Dry, even surface appropriate for running and jumping, soft landing areas for field events

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all throwing implements are age-appropriate and safe
•Ensure hurdles are correct height and stable
•Verify measuring equipment is functioning correctly

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during track events
•Injuries from throwing events
•Overexertion during competitive activities
•Falls during jumping events

Risk Mitigation

•Clear lane boundaries and traffic flow
•Designated throwing areas with safety zones
•Progressive competition intensity
•Adequate rest periods between events

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all competition areas
•Particular attention to throwing event safety
•Monitor for signs of fatigue or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop competition immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students remain calm and safe