Lesson 6 - Athletics Competition Day
Power & Technique Excellence
•Year 6
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Check batons are lightweight and safe for passing
Alternative: Foam tubes, cardboard tubes, or wooden batons
Place at 1-metre intervals for accurate distance measurement
Alternative: Markers, discs, or painted lines
Ensure measures are clearly marked and easy to read
Alternative: Metre rulers, trundle wheels
Test all timing devices before competition starts
Alternative: Mobile phone timers, digital watches
Use consistent weight balls (200-400g recommended)
Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls, foam balls
Laminated sheets with dry-wipe markers for reuse
Alternative: Clipboards with paper, tablet recording
Clearly mark team gathering points around the competition area
Alternative: Cones for team areas, painted squares
Key Vocabulary
A jumping event consisting of a hop, step and jump in sequence
An underarm throwing technique using whole-body power
A team running event where total laps are shared between team members
A fast-paced running race where team members pass a baton in sequence
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
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