Click here or on the image below to access our full suite of athletics resources on our updated Scoilnet PE page.
The strand units of the Athletics curriculum include:
- Running
- Jumping
- Throwing
- Understanding and appreciation of athletics
Emphasis in the Athletics programme should be on providing opportunities for the child to challenge him/herself to run faster or for a longer period, to throw an implement further and to jump further or higher.
While the PE Curriculum outlines the specifics of each of the strand units of Athletics across the class levels, the table below provides a summary of progression across the class levels
Athletics Progression
Running |
Jumping |
Throwing |
Understanding and
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
Infants |
Distance Running 30-90 sec Sprint: 10-20 m Reactions and Standing Start Relays: Pair Relays (BB) Hurdling: Flat up to 20 cm high
|
Skip with and without ropes Various ways of jumping 2-2, 2-1 1-1,1-1,1-2. squishy landing Swing arms |
Various methods of throwing for height and distance – underarm throw |
Lane running Standing start |
First and Second Class |
Distance Running 30 sec – 2 min Sprint: 20-30 m Reactions and Standing Start Relays: Team Relays (BB) Hurdling: 30 cm high Identify lead leg – stepover
|
Skipping Various jumps Approach run (3 steps) for distance and height |
Underarm Over-arm (javelin throw) |
Measuring score Understand pace Approach run |
Third and Fourth Class |
Distance Running 30 sec – 3 min Sprint: 30-60 m Reactions and Standing Start Relays: Team Relays and change over in straight line Hurdling: 30-40 cm high over 20-40 m Lead leg & 3 strides
|
Skipping Various jumps Landing on 2 feet Scissors jump over obstacle Approach run 5 (strides) |
Overarm throw Approach run and throw Shot-putt Discus throw (standing position) |
Pace Baton Changeover Measure score Analyse technique |
Fifth and Sixth Class |
Distance Running 30 sec – 5 min Sprint: 50-70 m Shuttle sprints 30 m Reaction & Standing Start Relays: Standard relay race with baton changeover Hurdling: 40-60 cm high over 40-60 m Lead leg & trail leg 150 m over random hurdles |
Skipping Various jumps Standing jump Approach run 3, 5, 7 strides Scissors- technique over 50-60 cm hurdles |
Javelin – standing Javelin with approach run Shot-putt with turn Discus throw |
Speed Coordination Strength Rules-throw line Jump line Measuring Awareness |
These natural movement activities should be developed into simple athletic activities and events.
The approaches and methodologies for PE, outlined in the PE ‘Teacher Guidelines’ on pages 42 -100 are an excellent reference for teachers in organising Athletics lessons.
Integration of Athletics with other subjects of the curriculum is outlined on p49
Use of station teaching in the Infant classroom in an Athletics lesson is outlined on p52
A unit of work in Athletics outlining a six week programme of work for fifth class is outlined on pp58-59
In addition the PSSI lessons on Athletics for all class levels are an excellent resource for teachers and outline a comprehensive programme of work specific to each class lesson incorporating a variety of approaches and methodologies across the class levels.
Please find attached further resources to support you in implementing Athletics
Stations: A sample of station teaching cards for Athletics for middle/senior classes, incorporating a ‘teaching station’. These stations could be completed towards the end of a unit of work in Athletics once children are familiar with the various activities
Advanced Athletics: This handout outlines tips for specific skills in Athletics, suitable for use in the middle and senior classes
Athletics an overview of strands and strategies for the organisation of classes: Outlines sample activities for the strand units of Athletics, including tips for adapting activities and classroom organisation.
RESOURCES :
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
 Advanced Athletics 2.doc | 101.5 KB |
| Athletics an overview of strands and strategies for the organization of classes.docx | 78.13 KB |
| Stations.docx | 119.32 KB |
