In addition to the considerations for planning the class programme outlined on pp. 34–39 the following guide will aid the planning process for athletics:
- When planning to teach a unit of work for athletics (a number of lessons) it is recommended that the teacher plans in advance how the strand units can be delivered. Some lessons may focus on one strand unit, while it would be possible to cover content from all strand units in many of the lessons.
- A selection of warming-up and cooling-down exercises should be outlined for each lesson including running, mobility and flexibility exercises and games.
Exemplar 5 illustrates an approach to the selection of content for a unit of work and possible methods of organisation for the athletics lesson. Some examples of how a teacher can promote the understanding and appreciation of athletics are indicated in italic type and in the section ‘Concluding activities’.
A further example of an athletics lesson is included on p. 52 to illustrate the use of ‘station’ teaching.
EXEMPLAR 5 - A unit of work in athletics (fifth class)