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Lesson 6 - Athletics Competition Day

Power & Technique Excellence

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Year 6

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Athletics

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Big Question

How can we demonstrate excellence and sportsmanship whilst competing at our personal best?

Learning Objectives

To compete confidently whilst demonstrating technical excellence across multiple athletics events
To apply refined techniques consistently under competitive pressure
To maintain sustained effort and resilience throughout a multi-event competition

Key Outcomes

Students will compete across four athletics events demonstrating technical proficiency
Students will accurately record and analyse performance data to track improvement
Students will display excellent sportsmanship and teamwork throughout the competition

Equipment & Resources Required

Relay Baton

8 (one per team)

Check batons are lightweight and safe for passing

Alternative: Foam tubes, cardboard tubes, or wooden batons

Measuring Tapes

40-50 cones

Place at 1-metre intervals for accurate distance measurement

Alternative: Markers, discs, or painted lines

Tape Measure

4-6 (10m minimum)

Ensure measures are clearly marked and easy to read

Alternative: Metre rulers, trundle wheels

Stopwatch

8 (one per team)

Test all timing devices before competition starts

Alternative: Mobile phone timers, digital watches

Beach Ball

8-12 balls

Use consistent weight balls (200-400g recommended)

Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls, foam balls

Score Sheets

8 copies

Laminated sheets with dry-wipe markers for reuse

Alternative: Clipboards with paper, tablet recording

Mats

8 mats

Clearly mark team gathering points around the competition area

Alternative: Cones for team areas, painted squares

Key Vocabulary

Triple Jump

A jumping event consisting of a hop, step and jump in sequence

Heave Throw

An underarm throwing technique using whole-body power

Parlauuf

A team running event where total laps are shared between team members

Sprint Relay

A fast-paced running race where team members pass a baton in sequence

Personal Best

An individual's best recorded performance in a specific event

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic athletic techniques in running, jumping and throwing
Understanding of competitive rules and scoring systems
Experience of team-based athletic challenges

Current Skills

Applying technical skills under competitive pressure
Managing performance across multiple events
Demonstrating resilience and sustained effort

Next Steps

Developing specialisation in preferred athletic events
Understanding training principles for athletic improvement
Applying athletics skills in inter-school competitions

Milestone Indicators

Consistent technique across all competition events

Improved personal performance from baseline measurements

Positive competitive attitude regardless of results

Key Teaching Points

Competition excellence requires both technical skill and mental resilience
Fair play and accurate recording are as important as personal performance
Different athletic events require different strategies and preparation approaches
Sustained effort across multiple events builds both physical and mental strength
Personal improvement and team support are more valuable than winning alone
Athletic skills learned transfer to many other sports and physical activities
Measurement and recording skills develop mathematical understanding and honesty

Common Misconceptions

Believing that winning is more important than personal improvement and fair play
Thinking that fatigue means you should give up rather than showing resilience
Assuming that athletic ability is fixed rather than developed through practice and effort
Focusing only on individual performance rather than supporting teammates
Thinking that technique becomes less important during competition pressure

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Structured roles and responsibilities, regular positive feedback, clear boundaries and expectations

dyspraxia

Additional practice time for baton passing, simplified measurement recording, supportive team placement

autism spectrum

Clear event rotation schedule, visual timetable, quiet recovery spaces between intense activities

visual impairment

Use bright coloured equipment, clear verbal instructions for measurements, buddy system for guidance around events

hearing impairment

Visual signals for event start/stop, written instruction cards, clear demonstrations of techniques

physical disability

Modified distances and equipment, alternative throwing implements, wheelchair accessible event versions

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances accurately, recording and comparing performance data, calculating improvements and averages

Science

Understanding forces in throwing, energy systems during sustained activity, biomechanics of jumping techniques

Geography

Understanding measurement systems, spatial awareness in multi-event organisation, mapping event layouts

PSHE

Resilience through physical challenge, teamwork under pressure, fair play and honesty in competition

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location allowing visual contact with all four event stations

Observation Focus

Technical consistency, sustained effort, fair play, accurate recording, fatigue management

Intervention Points

["Step in for measurement disputes or rule clarifications", "Provide encouragement during challenging moments", "Monitor safety during throwing and jumping events"]

Demonstration Notes

Move between events demonstrating key technical points and acknowledging good examples

Verbal Cues

•'Focus on your technique!'
•'Record accurately and fairly!'
•'Encourage your teammates!'
•'Push through the challenge!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large sports hall or outdoor area minimum 40m x 30m for multiple simultaneous events

Surface Check

Non-slip surfaces for running, safe landing areas for jumping, clear throwing zones

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all batons for damage and secure grips
•Ensure measuring equipment is clearly readable
•Verify throwing implements are appropriate weight for age group

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between events
•Overexertion during multi-event competition
•Throwing implements hitting participants

Risk Mitigation

•Clear event boundaries established and maintained
•Teacher supervision positioned for maximum visibility of all events
•Progressive intensity management with fatigue monitoring
•Designated safe areas for non-participating students

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for oversight of all four events simultaneously
•Regular circulation between events during competition
•Monitor student fatigue levels throughout extended activity

Emergency Procedures

Stop all events immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, ensure clear access routes