Hurdles - Lesson Plan

In the fifth lesson of the Athletics unit for Year 6, students are introduced to the sport of hurdles. The lesson objectives are multifaceted, aiming to teach pupils the correct technique for vertical jumping and hurdling, both in practice scenarios and competitive environments. It also focuses on the importance of maintaining speed not just when clearing hurdles, but also in the spaces between them. A key element of the lesson is self-assessment, where students learn to evaluate their own performance and understand their individual strengths and weaknesses.

The lesson utilises a variety of resources to engage the students and enhance their learning experience. These include cones, SAQ (Speed, Agility, Quickness) ladders, hurdles or obstacles, and a resource card. The literacy aspects of the lesson are underpinned by key terms such as speed, coordination, and balance. The success criteria are clearly defined, with students aiming to master the correct stance for shot put and the ability to push a ball while maintaining this stance. The lesson is structured with a warm-up involving SAQ ladders and hurdles to develop quick feet and coordination, followed by a dice relay activity that encourages teamwork and maintaining running speed. The main activity is a series of relay races where students focus on smooth strides and proper jumping technique over hurdles, with a time penalty for any mistakes. The lesson concludes with a cool down exercise called 'Traffic Lights', which helps students to gradually reduce their heart rate while developing listening and independence skills.