Athletics Skills Showcase

Overview

Year Group: 5 (ages 9-10)
Duration: 45 minutes
Class Size: 10 students
Unit: Athletics Skills for All (Lesson 6 of 6)
Curriculum Reference: National Curriculum for Physical Education – Key Stage 2
Focus: Consolidation and demonstration of athletics skills with inclusive adaptations

National Curriculum Links

Pupils should be taught to:
- Run, jump, throw and catch in isolation and in combination.
- Play competitive games modified where appropriate [for example, badminton, basketball, cricket, football, hockey, netball, rounders and tennis], and apply basic principles suitable for attacking and defending.
- Develop flexibility, strength, technique, control and balance [for example, through athletics and gymnastics].
- Compare their performances with previous ones and demonstrate improvement to achieve their personal best.
Key stage 2 Programme of Study - Physical Education:
Focus on building competence, confidence and applying skills in competitive and cooperative contexts, inclusive of all abilities.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, pupils will:

Demonstrate improved proficiency in running, jumping and throwing activities.
Participate confidently and enthusiastically in all activity stations, showing personal effort and resilience.
Apply key athletic techniques developed in previous lessons adapted suitably for all abilities, including wheelchair users.
Evaluate their own performance and set personal improvement goals.
Show respect and support for peers in a collaborative and inclusive environment.

Resources and Equipment

Mini hurdles (with adjustable heights or visual markers)
Beanbags / soft balls
Measuring tapes or cones for marking distances
Accessible relay batons (large and easy-grip)
Wheelchair-friendly track (flat surface, accessible to mobility devices)
Stopwatches or timers
Recording sheets for self and peer assessment
Visual cue cards (to support understanding)

Lesson Structure

Time	Activity	Description	Adaptations for Accessibility
0-5m	Warm-Up & Explanation	Group warm-up: light jogging, dynamic stretches (arm circles, lunges, high knees). Recap key skills learnt.	Use verbal and visual instructions, pace adaptable to individual needs.
5-30m	Skill Stations Rotation (4 stations)	Students rotate in pairs/small groups every 6 minutes: practice stations to reinforce running, jumping, throwing skills.	All stations designed for wheelchair access and alternative movement patterns.
30-40m	Personal Best Challenge	Individually or in pairs, students perform their favourite skill from the stations to try and beat their previous best.	Extra time and assistance as needed, adapted measuring methods for all abilities.
40-45m	Cool-Down & Reflection Discussion	Group stretches and circle time to share experiences, discuss what went well, challenges, and personal improvements.	Encourage all to contribute, including non-verbal participation (e.g. thumbs up/ down).

Detailed Station Descriptions

Station 1: Speed and Agility Relay

Set up a short 10-15m accessible flat course marked with cones, including mini hurdles low enough for wheelchair wheels or short stepping.
Pupils sprint, run, or propel wheelchair around cones and over/around hurdles as appropriate. Relay style passing the baton.
Skills: Sprinting, spatial awareness, quick changes of direction, teamwork.

Station 2: Target Throw Challenge

Throw beanbags or soft balls at floor or wall targets from a set distance. Encourage students to use standing or seated throwing techniques previously taught.
Target sizes vary for challenge, scores recorded for motivation.
Skills: Throwing accuracy, coordination, strength control.

Station 3: Standing/Seated Long Jump Mark

Use a tape measure to mark the longest jump from their standing or seated position. Seated jump encourages pushing forward or reaching to maximise distance.
Encourage focus on balance on take-off, landing safely, and measuring improvement.
Skills: Jumping technique, coordination, balance.

Station 4: Endurance Jog/Push

A flat, timed loop around the hall or field where pupils jog or propel their wheelchairs at a comfortable, sustainable pace. Time or distance recorded for personal best.
Opportunity to discuss pacing and stamina.
Skills: Cardiovascular endurance, pacing, resilience.

Assessment and Feedback

Formative Assessment:
- Teacher observes technique and participation at each station, providing supportive and corrective feedback.
- Peer feedback encouraged during Personal Best challenge to promote constructive communication.
- Use of self-assessment sheets post rotation: What went well? What will I improve?
Summative Assessment:
- Informal end-of-unit reflection noting improvement in key athletics skills and personal best attempts.
- Record achievements to celebrate progress and encourage goal-setting for future PE units.

Differentiation and Inclusion

Stations adapted for wheelchair users and children with different physical needs (e.g., varying distances, seated activity options).
Visual and verbal instructions provided at all stages.
Use of peer support and buddy system to encourage collaboration.
Encouragement of different personal goals rather than direct competition where appropriate.

Extension Ideas for Home or Extra Activity

Encourage pupils to practice a chosen skill at home or outdoors, measuring their own distances or times safely.
Use technology where available (e.g., video recording for self-analysis or fitness tracker apps).

Teacher Reflection Notes

Note engagement levels across all pupils, especially those using wheelchairs or with additional support needs.
Reflect on effectiveness of station design in promoting inclusivity and skill application.
Gather pupil feedback about their favourite activity and challenges for future unit planning.

This lesson plan embodies the National Curriculum’s drive to develop physical competence and confidence in all pupils, fostering inclusivity and personal growth through accessible, diverse athletic activities.

Teaching Instructions