Athletics - Lesson 3

The third lesson in the Year 6 Athletics series is designed to engage pupils in a variety of athletic races, enhancing their ability to switch between sprinting and long-distance running. The learning objectives are clear: pupils should be able to adjust their running styles according to the race, discover their strongest running distance, and accurately time and record each other's scores. Essential equipment for the lesson includes cones, hurdles, stopwatches, whistles, scoresheets, pens, and batons. The lesson begins with a dynamic warm-up, where pupils are split into groups and choose their warm-up activities, focusing on raising their heart rate and preparing their leg muscles for the physical activity ahead.

During the main part of the lesson, which lasts 35 minutes, the pupils participate in a track challenge that includes a 50m hurdles race, a 400m race, a 60m sprint, and an 800m race. They are kept in their warm-up groups and rotate through each race, striving to achieve the best possible times. Key teaching points are provided for each race, such as maintaining a consistent pace for the longer distances and the correct technique for hurdling and sprinting. The lesson concludes with a 10-minute cool-down involving a final relay race, where pupils reflect on their strengths and areas for improvement in running and consider which Olympic event they would choose to participate in. This structured approach to athletics not only promotes physical development but also encourages self-assessment and peer support.