Athletics Focus

Overview

Age Group: Year 5 & Year 6
Subject: Physical Education
Duration: 120 minutes
Class Size: 20 students
Curriculum Area: Key Stage 2 PE - Running and Athletics

Objectives

• Understand the fundamentals of running techniques.
• Develop stamina, speed, and coordination.
• Appreciate the importance of warm-ups and cool-downs.
• Learn through fun and engaging activities.

Materials Needed

• Whistle
• Cones
• Stopwatch
• Water bottles
• Scorecards
• Small hurdles
• Markers

Warm-Up Activities (15 minutes)

1. Dynamic Stretching (5 minutes)

• Instruction: Lead students through dynamic stretching exercises such as arm circles, leg swings, high knees, and butt kicks.
• Objective: Improve flexibility and prepare muscles for intensive exercise.
• Assessment: Ensure students are engaged and performing exercises correctly.

2. Light Jogging (10 minutes)

• Instruction: Students jog around the perimeter of the field or playground.
• Objective: Elevate heart rate gradually.
• Variations: Change the pace by incorporating slow jogs, medium-paced runs, and sprinting intervals.
• Assessment: Monitor students' endurance and effort levels.

Main Activities (80 minutes)

1. Sprint Techniques (20 minutes)

• Instruction: Teach the basics of starting positions, maintaining posture, and proper arm movements.
• Drills:
  • Standing Starts: Practice quick starts from a standing position.
  • Crouch Starts: Practice starting from a crouching position.
  • Team Relays: Organize students into teams and conduct relay races.
• Objective: Improve starting speed and running mechanics.
• Assessment: Observe and correct form and technique during drills.

2. Running Drills (25 minutes)

• Instruction: Use cones to set up stations for different running drills.
• Stations:
  • Cone Drills: Run zig-zag patterns between cones.
  • Speed Ladder: Quick footwork through a laid-out speed ladder.
  • Hurdle Jumps: Small hurdles to improve agility and rhythm.
• Objective: Enhance agility, speed, and coordination.
• Assessment: Rotate among stations, giving feedback and encouragement.

3. Long Distance Running Simulation (20 minutes)

• Instruction: Set up a longer distance running track around the field.
• Procedure: Students practice pacing by running multiple laps at a consistent speed.
• Objective: Develop students' stamina and endurance.
• Assessment: Track and record lap times for progress monitoring.

4. Relay Races (15 minutes)

• Instruction: Organise students into equal teams and set up a baton relay race.
• Procedure: Explain the rules and demonstrate how to pass the baton correctly.
• Objective: Foster teamwork, improve baton-passing skills, and practice under competitive stress.
• Assessment: Ensure students apply proper techniques and encourage team spirit.

Cool-Down Activities (10 minutes)

1. Static Stretching (5 minutes)

• Instruction: Guide students through static stretches focusing on major muscle groups used during running.
• Objective: Promote muscle recovery and flexibility.
• Assessment: Ensure students hold each stretch for about 15-20 seconds without bouncing.

2. Reflection and Hydration (5 minutes)

• Procedure: Gather students in a circle, provide water, and discuss the day's activities.
• Discussion Points:
  • What they enjoyed the most.
  • Something new they learned.
  • How they felt during the activities.
• Objective: Reinforce learning through reflection and ensure proper hydration.

Assessment

• Formative: Continuous observation and feedback during drills and races to ensure correct technique and safety.
• Summative: End-of-session reflective discussion and evaluation of students' learning and performance relative to objectives.

Differentiation

• For Higher Ability Students: Increase the complexity of drills, such as adding more cones or hurdles to the zig-zag course.
• For Lower Ability Students: Simplify tasks and reduce the distance or number of repetitions.
• Inclusive Practice: Ensure activities are adaptable for all abilities, providing additional support or alternative exercises as needed.

Conclusion

By focusing on running techniques and incorporating a variety of engaging and age-appropriate activities, this lesson plan aims to develop the students' athletic skills while fostering a love for physical fitness and teamwork.

Please ensure this plan is reviewed and adjusted according to the capabilities and interests of your students to maximise engagement and learning outcomes.