Mastering Event Skills

Unit: Athletics Carnival Prep

Year Level: Year 5

Duration: 55 minutes

Class Size: 28 students

Subject: Physical Education

Curriculum Reference: Western Australian Curriculum – Health and Physical Education (Years 5 and 6)

Lesson Overview

This is lesson 3 of 3 in the unit "Athletics Carnival Prep." In this final lesson, students will consolidate their learning by participating in an obstacle course that revisits and combines skills from previous lessons. The focus will then shift to mastering event-specific skills in athletics—namely the long jump and shot put—with hands-on practice and technique refinement. The lesson will conclude with a calm cool-down including stretching and a reflective discussion to reinforce learning and prepare students mentally and physically for the upcoming athletics carnival.

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to:

Apply and refine specific athletics skills, including the long jump and shot put, demonstrating safe and effective technique.
Participate cooperatively and safely in a structured obstacle course that integrates locomotor and object control skills.
Perform warm-up and cool-down routines that enhance readiness and recovery, understanding their importance.
Reflect on their skill development and set personal goals for the athletics carnival.

Curriculum Links

AC9HP6M01: Adapt and modify movement skills across a variety of situations
AC9HP6M04: Participate in physical activities to investigate the body’s reaction to different levels of intensity
AC9HP6M07: Predict and test the effectiveness of applying different skills and strategies in a range of movement situations
AC9HP6M09: Participate positively in groups and teams by contributing and encouraging others
AC9HP6M02: Transfer familiar movement strategies to different movement situations .

Resources Needed

Cones, hurdles, mats, measuring tape
Foam or rubber shot put balls appropriate for Year 5
Long jump pit or marked jumping area with sand or soft landing zone
Stopwatch or timing device
Whistle
First aid kit

Lesson Plan

1. Warm-up & Obstacle Course (15 minutes)

Objective: To activate muscles and cardiovascular system while revisiting locomotor and object control skills in a fun, engaging way.

Setup: Design an obstacle course incorporating running, hopping, bounding, throwing, and dodging elements learned previously. For example:
- Zig-zag running around cones
- Low hurdles to jump over
- A throwing station with soft balls to hit a target
- Balancing on beam or line
- A short shuttle run segment
Instructions:
- Divide the class into four groups of 7.
- Each group completes the course, encouraging teamwork and cheering.
- Use a whistle to start and stop each group.
- Emphasise safe movement and spatial awareness (AC9HP6M09).
Teacher Role: Monitor form, encourage energetic participation, provide immediate feedback on movement efficiency and safety.

2. Skill Acquisition & Refinement (30 minutes)

Objective: To focus on technique in the long jump and shot put; practice, analyse, and refine movement skills.

Part A: Long Jump (15 mins)

Demonstrate the correct take-off, flight, and landing phases emphasising:
- Strong take-off by pushing off the ball of the foot.
- Arm swing for momentum.
- Balanced landing technique.
Students practice jumps in pairs, measuring their attempts and aiming for improvement.
Provide personalised feedback focusing on body position and effort (AC9HP6M01, AC9HP6M07).
Encourage students to reflect on what adjustment helped them jump further.

Part B: Shot Put (15 mins)

Demonstrate the basic glide technique focusing on:
- Grip and cradle of the shot put.
- Positioning feet for power.
- Extension and release for maximum distance.
Students practise throws in smaller groups with safety boundaries clearly marked.
Provide feedback about throwing angle and body posture, encouraging controlled power output.
Support each student’s goal setting for personal bests.

3. Cool Down & Reflection (10 minutes)

Objective: To safely lower heart rates, improve flexibility, and consolidate learning.

Lead the class through a series of static stretches focusing on muscles used in jumping and throwing (legs, arms, shoulders).
Guide students through deep breathing exercises to aid recovery.
Facilitate a discussion:
- What skills were the easiest? Most challenging?
- What will you focus on improving before the athletics carnival?
- Why are warm-ups and cool-downs important?
Record a few student reflections in a class journal or display them for ongoing motivation.

Differentiation & Inclusion

Provide modified equipment (lighter shot put balls) and shorter jump distances for students needing extra support.
Challenge advanced students with additional techniques like varied arm swings or angles in jumping/throwing.
Encourage peer coaching for verbal feedback and inclusion (AC9HP6M09).

Assessment

Formative:
- Teacher observation of student participation, technique, and ability to apply feedback in long jump and shot put.
- Self and peer reflection during cool-down discussion.
Summative:
- Practical demonstration at athletics carnival preparation showing improved technique and confidence.

Safety Considerations

Ensure clear boundaries and adequate spacing between throwing and jumping areas.
Check all equipment for damage and suitability.
Monitor weather conditions and ensure hydration breaks if outdoors.
Attend immediately to any injury with first aid.

Teacher Notes

Reinforce connections across lessons — how obstacle course skills relate to event-specific movements.
Encourage growth mindset — remind students it’s about personal bests and improving skills, not competition.
Use positive reinforcement liberally to boost confidence and motivation.

This lesson plan follows the Western Australian Curriculum’s emphasis on skill refinement, safety, teamwork, and physical literacy development for years 5 and 6, integrating key content descriptions and elaborations specific to athletic movement skills and participation .

Teaching Instructions