Athletics
Year 6

  Athletics encompasses a wide range of events, each with its own set of rules & regulations. Here are some basic rules that apply to many track and field events:            Athletics Events:

• Running Sprints: 100m, 200m, 400m.
• Running Middle Distance: 800m, 1500m.
• Running Long Distance: 5000m, 10000m, Marathon.
• Field Throws: Shot Put, Discuss, Javelin, Hammer.
• Field Jumps: Long Jump, Triple Jump, High Jump, Pole Vault.

           Starting Procedures:

• Athletes must start from designated starting positions (e.g., starting blocks for sprinters).
• False starts are not allowed. Typically, one false start results in disqualification, although some competitions may allow one warning before disqualification.

           Running Events:

• Athletes must stay within their assigned lanes (in sprinting events) or follow specified routes (in distance races).
• In relay races, baton exchanges must take place within a designated exchange zone, and the baton must be passed from one runner to another within this zone.

           Field Events:

• Athletes must perform within a designated area (e.g., throwing circle or jump runway).
• In events like shot put, discus, and javelin, the implement must land within specified boundaries for the throw to be valid.

           Throwing Events:

• In shot put, discus, hammer throw, and javelin, athletes must use the specified technique for each event.
• Fouls can occur if the athlete steps out of the throwing circle or releases the implement outside the designated sector.

           Jumping Events:

• In long jump and triple jump, athletes must take off from a specified take-off board.
• In high jump and pole vault, athletes have a limited number of attempts to clear the bar, and they must do so without knocking it off the supports.

           Scoring and Timing:

• In most track and field competitions, athletes are awarded points based on their performance, and the athlete or team with the most points wins.
• Races are timed using electronic timing systems, and measurements in field events are taken with precision instruments.

           Fouls, Disqualifications and Sportsmanship:

• Athletes can be disqualified or have their attempts ruled as ‘fouls’ if they violate specific rules, such as stepping out of bounds, false starts, or using improper techniques.
• Athletes are expected to compete with integrity and show respect for their fellow competitors, officials, and the rules of the sport.

In Upper Key Stage 2 Athletics, children learn, develop, and refine techniques and actions needed for a range of athletic disciplines. They continue to develop running, jumping, and throwing skills in isolation and combination. Our Year 6 Athletics lesson plans help children understand what throwing and jumping techniques are required to achieve maximum distance and height, and appropriate pace judgement when running for distance.

Athletics lessons are an essential part of primary school PE. They can offer endless opportunities, as well as fulfilling National Curriculum requirements of developing balance, agility and coordination, flexibility, strength, technique, and control. These motor competence components are valuable, and transferable, in all other sports, as well as helping promote children to lead healthy, active lifestyles. Primary School Athletics is also great for building confidence, developing social skills, and allowing children to recognise and celebrate their successes.

All PE Planning lesson plans are created by PE Specialists and include all the resources required to deliver a complete Unit of Work. Each PE lesson plan includes full guidance, including illustrations, and you can choose to download either a quick reference plan or a full lesson plan. Our Year 6 Athletics lesson plans follow the National Curriculum and allow you to deliver fun, engaging and rewarding Athletics lessons to your Year 6 pupils. Best of all, they make your life easier - because our downloadable PE lesson plans are quick and easy to follow!