Summer Sports Start

Overview

• Year Group: Key Stage 2 (Ages 7-8, Year 3)
• Class Size: 26 students
• Duration: 45 minutes
• Unit: Summer Sports Adventure
• Lesson: 1 of 1
• Subject: Physical Education

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

• Understand and demonstrate basic tag rugby passing techniques (lateral passing, timing).
• Work cooperatively in small teams to complete passing drills and mini tag rugby games.
• Recognise the value of teamwork, communication, and fair play.
• Participate in mindful stretching exercises to develop body awareness and a calm mindset.

Curriculum Links:

• National Curriculum for Physical Education (England)
  • Pupils should develop fundamental movement skills, apply basic principles suitable for attacking and defending, and participate in team games (NC, KS2 PE, 2014)
  • Develop competence to excel in a broad range of physical activities
  • Engage in competitive and cooperative physical activities
• Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) aspects (teamwork, respect)

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Resources Needed

• Tag rugby belts/tags (one per student)
• Soft, size-appropriate rugby balls (at least 4)
• Cones for marking drill areas
• Whistles
• Yoga mats or soft surface area for cool-down
• Visual aids: diagrams of passing technique, teamwork cue cards

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Lesson Timing & Structure

Time	Activity	Details	Grouping
0 - 5 mins	Welcome and Introduction	Brief outline of lesson aims, safety rules, and expectations.	Whole class
5 - 12 mins	Warm-Up: Cooperative Games	“Pass and Sprint” game - student pairs pass the ball and sprint to cones, emphasising communication and quick passing.	Pairs/Whole class
12 - 25 mins	Main Activity: Tag Rugby Intro

• Explanation & demonstration of lateral passing, tagging rules.
• Passing drills: "Circle Pass" (students form circles passing around), "Partner Passing Relay" (sprint and pass).
• Team mini-game: small-sided tag rugby 5-a-side (rotate teams for involvement).
  | Small groups (5 per team) | | 25 - 40 mins | Teamwork Challenge | Obstacle course involving passing and tagging tasks to complete as a team. Emphasises cooperation and communication. | Teams of 5 | | 40 - 45 mins | Cool Down & Mindfulness | Guided stretching focusing on key muscle groups used, followed by breathing and mindfulness exercise to promote relaxation and focus. | Whole class |

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Detailed Activity Breakdown

Warm-Up: Pass and Sprint (7 minutes)

• Students pair up, standing 5 metres apart.
• Practice simple chest and lateral passes to each other, then sprint to a cone 10 metres ahead and back.
• Objective: Gradually raise heart rate and develop passing coordination dynamically.
• Introduce signals for 'pass ready' and 'move' to build communication skills.

Main Activity: Tag Rugby Skills (13 minutes)

• Gather in a semi-circle to explain rules of tag rugby (no contact, importance of tagging).
• Demonstrate lateral pass (using correct hand position and footwork).
• Drills:
  • Circle Pass: Form circles of 6 around cones, pass ball in one direction then reverse, emphasising accuracy.
  • Relay Passing: Two lines; one runs forward to receive pass and returns, next student goes.
• Mini-game: 5-a-side tag rugby focusing on teamwork, safe tagging, and passing. Use rotating teams to maximise participation.

Teamwork Challenge: Obstacle Course (15 minutes)

• Course includes segments such as: passing through gates, tagging opponents, and running relay legs.
• Teams advised to plan how they communicate and pass to complete course fastest and cleanly.
• Teacher observes and encourages positive reinforcement and teamwork language.

Cool Down and Mindfulness (5 minutes)

• Lead class through stretches: hamstrings, calves, shoulders, arms.
• Follow with a breathing exercise: "Belly Breathing" deep breaths, counting to 4 in and out.
• Mindfulness Talk: brief reflection on how teamwork made activities easier and how calming down the body helps.

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Differentiation & Inclusion

• SEND adaptations: Use visual cue cards with simple step-by-step actions for passing and teamwork. Allow extra time for motor skills practise.
• Advanced learners: Challenge these students to lead small group activities or demonstrate techniques to peers.
• Physical limitations: Modify activities (e.g., seated passing drills, reduced sprint distances).

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Assessment Opportunities

• Formative Assessment:
  • Observe students' passing technique and correct form immediately during drills.
  • Note teamwork communication and cooperation during games.
• Self-assessment:
  • Quick group discussion post-activity on “What helped your team work better?”
• Peer feedback:
  • Encourage students to praise teammates during cool down.

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Teacher’s Reflection / Tips

• Emphasise positive language and celebrate all attempts, not just success.
• Use enthusiastic demonstration to model energy and engagement – key for KS2 children.
• Keep transitions smooth but lively to maintain focus and motivation.
• Incorporate music during warm-up if appropriate to enhance energy.
• Make mindfulness relatable by linking calmness to better teamwork and sports performance.

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This engaging, well-structured introduction provides a strong foundation for the Summer Sports Adventure unit by embedding physical skills, teamwork, and mindfulness for young learners.