Lesson 5 - Athletics Competition - Team Events
Competitive Athletics: From Personal Excellence to Sports Leadership
•Year 6
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Mark out running track lanes and field event areas
Alternative: Markers, bean bags
Store safely in designated throwing area
Alternative: Pool noodles, cardboard tubes
Various weights available for different abilities
Alternative: Tennis balls, bean bags
Safe throwing implements appropriate for age group
Alternative: Frisbees, paper plates
Set at appropriate height for Year 6 students
Alternative: Cones with poles, skipping ropes
For measuring jumping and throwing distances
Alternative: Metre rulers, marked ground
One per team for timing events
Alternative: Phone timers, large clock
For teams to record results and points
Alternative: Clipboards with paper
Key Vocabulary
A short-distance race run at maximum speed
Running events that require pacing and endurance over longer distances
A jumping event consisting of hop, step and jump phases
A throwing event using a spear-like implement
A throwing event using a heavy metal ball pushed from the shoulder
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
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