Athletics - Lesson 3

In the third lesson of the Year 4 athletics programme, students are taught the intricacies of teamwork and communication through relay changeovers. The learning objectives are clear: to communicate effectively as a team, to react swiftly to commands, and to successfully complete a relay race with seamless baton changeovers. The success criteria for the lesson are established to ensure that pupils not only understand the mechanics of a relay race but also the importance of working together as a cohesive unit. The key vocabulary for this lesson includes terms such as relays, changeovers, communication, and teamwork, which are essential for students to understand and use effectively. Required equipment for the lesson includes relay batons, beanbags, and cones, which are integral to the activities planned.

The lesson starts with a warm-up activity called 'Pass it on', where pupils are divided into groups and tasked with jogging in a line, passing a baton from the back to the front on the teacher's whistle. This exercise not only warms up their bodies but also begins to introduce the concept of relay changeovers. In the main part of the lesson, students engage in baton familiarisation activities, learning to call out and exchange the baton with precision. This is followed by a continuous relay activity, where groups of four practice passing the baton amongst themselves while running between cones. The lesson emphasises key teaching points such as loud vocal communication, passing the baton at arm's length, and maintaining focus with head and eyes forward. The session concludes with a cool-down activity where the pupils participate in competitive relay races, putting into practice all they have learned about teamwork and baton exchange. Throughout the lesson, pupils are encouraged to reflect on their performance, discuss strategies, and understand what makes a relay team successful.