"I Can!" Athletics Level Descriptors

The "I Can!" Athletics Level Descriptors outline the progressive skills and understanding students are expected to develop in athletics. At the 'Beginning' level, students start by learning to run at different speeds. As they move to the 'Emerging' stage, they are able to change speed and direction while running. The 'Developing' level sees students running at a speed appropriate to the distance, indicating an understanding of pacing. Progressing to 'Exceeding', students improve and sustain their running technique at various speeds. Mastery is achieved when students demonstrate good control, strength, speed, and stamina across a variety of athletic events.

Jumping skills also progress through these levels, starting with a basic standing jump and advancing to jumping accurately from a standing position. The 'Developing' level introduces a running jump, and by 'Exceeding', students are expected to demonstrate accuracy and technique in a range of throwing and jumping actions. At the 'Mastery' level, they can apply athletic skills and tactics to competitive situations. Throwing skills follow a similar trajectory, beginning with throwing an object with one hand and advancing to explaining how to improve technique in various events. Recognising bodily changes during exercise starts with noticing changes in temperature and heart rate and culminates in a comprehensive understanding of both short and long-term effects of exercise, including the importance of warm-ups and cool-downs.