Lesson 4 - Athletics Competitions
Competitive Athletics: From Personal Excellence to Sports Leadership
•Year 6
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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- Complete activity instructions & timing
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How can we bring together all our athletics skills to compete fairly and improve our personal best performances?
Learning Objectives
- To apply running, jumping and throwing techniques in competitive situations
- To work collaboratively in teams and support teammates
- To evaluate performances and provide constructive feedback
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate consistent technique across multiple athletics events
- Students will compete fairly whilst encouraging teammates
- Students will assess performances and suggest improvements
Equipment & Resources Required
Mark track lanes, event areas and team zones
Alternative: Markers, bibs
One per field event station
Alternative: Metre rulers, marked areas
Safe throwing implements for competition
Alternative: Pool noodles, tennis balls
Age-appropriate weight (2-3kg maximum)
Alternative: Bean bags, medicine balls
Safe landing areas with clear take-off lines
Alternative: Sand pit, marked grass area
Adjustable height for safety
Alternative: Cones, ropes
One per team or event marshal
Alternative: Phone timers, shared timing
Track points: 1st=3pts, 2nd=2pts, 3rd=1pt
Alternative: Whiteboard, verbal scoring
4 different colours for team identification
Alternative: Coloured bands, wristbands
Key Vocabulary
A short-distance race run at maximum speed
Running events over 400m requiring pace management
Team running event where a baton is passed between teammates
Athletics events involving jumping or throwing for distance
The correct method for performing an athletics skill
An individual's best recorded performance in an event
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Running technique with arm action and stride length
- Jumping with correct take-off and landing phases
- Throwing with grip, stance and release phases
Current Skills
- Applying techniques under competitive pressure
- Team strategy and event selection
- Performance evaluation and feedback
Next Steps
- Advanced athletics techniques
- Leadership roles in competitions
- Sports-specific training programmes
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Competition provides authentic context for applying athletics techniques under pressure
- Every student participates in every event to experience breadth of athletics skills
- Scoring system ensures all teams can achieve success and points
- Sportsmanship and team support are as important as individual performance
- Focus on personal improvement and technique rather than just winning
- Team captains provide leadership opportunities and peer support systems
- Event rotation maintains engagement and energy throughout the lesson
Common Misconceptions
- Only the fastest/strongest students can succeed in athletics competitions
- Winning is the most important outcome of competitive activities
- Individual performance is more important than team cooperation
- Technique becomes less important during competitive pressure
- Athletics competitions are only for naturally sporty students
- Making mistakes during competition means you have failed
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Regular movement breaks, clear boundaries and rules, immediate feedback, shorter event rotations with frequent activity changes
dyspraxia
- Simplified equipment, extended practice time, task breakdown into smaller steps, peer buddy support for complex instructions
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of events, designated quiet areas for breaks, predictable routine and structure, advance preparation for competition format
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of event areas, guide rope for track events, buddy system for navigation
hearing impairment
- Visual start signals, clear hand signals for instructions, written event information, demonstration-heavy teaching
physical disability
- Adapted distances and equipment, wheelchair racing options, seated throwing events, modified jumping activities
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring distances and recording data, calculating team scores and point systems, timing events and comparing results
Science
Understanding forces in throwing and jumping, energy transfer during running, measuring and recording scientific data
Geography
Understanding measurement units, mapping event layouts, spatial awareness and direction
PSHE
Team cooperation and leadership, managing competitive emotions, celebrating others' success, resilience when facing challenges
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position with clear view of all event areas, mobile to support different activities
Observation Focus
Monitor technique under pressure, team cooperation, safety compliance and competitive behaviour
Intervention Points
Step in for safety concerns, poor sportsmanship, or significant technique errors affecting performance
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Key technique points briefly before each event, emphasise safety procedures clearly
Verbal Cues
- •'Remember your technique under pressure!'
- •'Support all competitors, not just your team!'
- •'Focus on your personal best, not just winning!'
- •'Use this as practice for your individual improvement!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large outdoor area minimum 40m x 60m or sports hall with high ceiling
Surface Check
Level, dry surface free from holes, stones or other hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Foam javelins only - no metal implements
- •Age-appropriate shot put weights (maximum 3kg)
- •Hurdles set to safe height with tip-over mechanism
- •Long jump landing areas clear and soft
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during track events
- •Throwing implement injuries
- •Falls during jumping events
- •Overexertion during competition
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear lanes and running directions established
- •Throwing areas with safe zones and collection procedures
- •Supervised jumping with proper landing techniques
- •Regular hydration breaks and monitoring for fatigue
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Teacher positioned for overview of all events
- •Adult helpers stationed at throwing events
- •Clear sight lines maintained to all activities
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school emergency services if required