Jumping Athletics Circuit

Overview

This 47-minute outdoor PE session focuses on developing students’ jumping skills through a dynamic circuit of various jump types. Designed for 30 Key Stage 2 pupils (ages 9–11), this lesson complements the UK National Curriculum for Physical Education (2014), emphasising physical competence, coordination, and healthy activity participation. The session encourages skill progression, peer feedback, and fun challenges within a structured circuit, promoting engagement and fitness.

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Lesson Details

• Age Group: 9-11 years (Upper KS2)
• Class Size: 30 students
• Session Length: 47 minutes
• Curriculum Links:
  • National Curriculum for PE (DfE 2014)
    • Develop competence to excel in a broad range of physical activities
    • Engage in competitive and cooperative physical activities
    • Develop fundamental movement skills, focusing on jumping techniques
  • England’s Fundamental Movement Skills Framework
    • Develop basic movements and apply these in athletics contexts

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will:

1. Demonstrate a variety of jumping techniques (standing jump, hop, leap, and triple jump step) with improved control and coordination.
2. Understand the importance of body positioning and arm swing in effective jumping.
3. Apply jumping skills practically in a fun, inclusive circuit.
4. Cooperate effectively in small groups to complete circuit activities.
5. Reflect briefly on their performance to identify areas for improvement.

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Equipment Needed

• Markers/cones
• Measuring tape or chalk/grid for distance measurement
• Foam mats (for landing safety)
• Chalk or tape to mark take-off and landing points
• Stopwatch or timer
• Whistles
• Scorecards or clipboards for peer feedback

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction & Warm-Up (7 minutes)

• Gather students in a circle outside, explain session goals focusing on different jump types.
• Conduct a dynamic warm-up (2 mins): jogging, high knees, butt kicks, arm circles.
• Activation drills (5 mins):
  • Standing long jump practice over short distances
  • Skipping to warm up leg muscles
  • Simple hop and leap demonstrations with the teacher modelling proper technique (knee bend, arm swing, soft landing).

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2. Jumping Circuit Instructions (5 minutes)

• Divide the 30 pupils into 6 groups of 5 students each.
• Set up six stations, each focusing on a different jump type or skill:

Station	Jump Focus	Activity Description	Coaching Point
1	Standing Long Jump	Jump forward from standing, measure distance.	Use arm swing and bend knees.
2	Hop (one leg take-off)	Hop on one leg across a marked line or 5m distance.	Balance on take-off & landing.
3	Leap	Step then leap over a cone or foam block (like between steps).	Push off strong, landing softly.
4	Triple Jump Steps	Practice hop, step, jump sequence marked with cones.	Smooth transitions between phases.
5	Vertical Jump	Jump up to touch or tap a target at height.	Jump high using arms and legs.
6	Creative Jump	Pupils invent a safe, creative jump style over foam mats.	Encourage creativity + control.

• Groups rotate every 5 minutes with 30 seconds transition time.
• Emphasise safety, correct techniques, and sportsmanship.

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3. Circuit Sessions (30 minutes)

• Students complete the stations in their groups. Teacher and TAs circulate to offer support, give feedback, and encourage improvements.
• At each station, pupils record their best jump/distance (can be approximate) on scorecards for a sense of personal achievement and peer motivation.

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4. Cool Down & Reflection (5 minutes)

• Walking/stretching circle, focusing on leg muscles (quadriceps, calves, hamstrings).
• Brief whole-class discussion:
  • Which jump did you find easiest/hardest?
  • What helped you jump further or higher?
  • How did working in a group help you improve?
• Encourage pupils to suggest ways to practice and improve outside of school.

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Differentiation

• Support: Pupils with lower coordination provided with extra demonstrations and support at stations. Use foam mats for softer landings.
• Challenge: More able pupils encouraged to increase jump distances, try bounding or incorporating running approaches for some jumps after mastering technique.
• Adapt distances or heights to individual pupil ability within stations.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Formative assessment through observation of pupils’ jumping technique and correction.
• Peer feedback via scorecards to promote evaluative thinking.
• Self-assessment facilitated during reflection phase.

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Safety Considerations

• Ensure soft landing zones (foam mats) for leaping stations.
• Maintain clear space between jumps and cones.
• Monitor for signs of fatigue.
• Provide water breaks as necessary.

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Extension Ideas

• Link to maths: pupils measure and record distances, compare results and calculate averages.
• Video record some jumps for pupils to analyse form visually.
• Incorporate a mini inter-group jump competition next session, embedding teamwork and resilience.

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This session embodies active learning, progressive skill development, and cooperative physical engagement meeting UK PE curriculum aims while inspiring pupils to enjoy athletics outside.