Athletics — Track and Field Events — Year 6 Lesson Plan
National Curriculum: PE KS2 — use running, jumping, throwing and catching in isolation and in combination; take part in competitive activities; compare performances and demonstrate improvement to achieve personal bests
Overview
Pupils prepare for a school or local athletics competition, refining technique in sprints, hurdles, long jump and a throwing event. They focus on marginal gains — small technical improvements that add up to meaningful performance improvements. Pupils also develop race day skills: warming up independently, managing nerves, and competing with respect.
Learning Objectives
- Sprint 60 metres with block-start technique (or standing start), driving out of the start and maintaining form through the finish line.
- Clear a hurdle with a lead leg and trail leg action, minimising height loss.
- Execute a long jump with a measured run-up, a consistent take-off foot and a stretched landing.
- Demonstrate a shotput or javelin throw with correct technique and safe practice.
Key Vocabulary
Suggested Lesson Structure
Pupils warm up independently (as they would at a competition): jog for three minutes; dynamic stretches (high knees, heel flicks, lunges, arm circles); three × 40m strides at 80%. Discuss: why is warming up important before competition? (Muscle temperature, injury prevention, mental preparation.)
Sprint refinement: first-step drive, not leap; stay low for first 20m; relax at full speed (tense face = tense shoulders = slower). Hurdles: lead leg straight over, trail leg knee bends to hip height then drives forward, minimal head bob (stay level). Long jump: count strides in run-up and use the same run-up every time; aggressive take-off on the board; tuck then extend legs in the air; land with feet ahead of body. Shot put: standing put for beginners — side-on, push from shoulder, extend arm. Safety: everyone else behind the thrower.
Rotation through four stations with a partner giving feedback: (1) 60m sprint with timed run; (2) hurdle shuttle (three hurdles); (3) long jump into sand; (4) shot put / soft javelin throw for distance. Each pupil does three attempts, records the best.
Choose one event for a final improvement block. Apply one specific technical change from the lesson. Compare first and final attempts — did the change make a difference?
Cool down: slow jog, standing stretches. Ask: what is a marginal gain? Give an example from today (e.g. 'I started lower and it helped my first 20m'). Discuss competition etiquette: applaud competitors' personal bests, not just winners. What does 'competing with respect' look like?
Common Misconceptions
- Pupils tense up before a sprint, which actually slows them down — relaxation at top speed is counterintuitive but physically necessary.
- Jumping as high as possible over hurdles wastes time — the aim is to clear the hurdle with minimum height gain.
Prior Knowledge
Pupils should already be able to:
- Running technique from Years 3-5 athletics.
- Personal best tracking and self-improvement mindset from across KS2.
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