Athletics

EYFS

By the end of EYFS children will be able to:

• Run in different ways for a variety of purposes.
• Jump in a range of ways, landing safely.
• Roll equipment in different ways.
• Throw underarm.
• Throw an object at a target.
• Control their body when performing a sequence of movements.
• Participate in simple games.
• Talk about what they, and others, have done.

Year 1

By the end of Year 1 children will be able to:

• Vary their pace and speed when running.
• Run with a basic technique over different distances.
• Show good posture and balance.
• Jog in a straight line.
• Change direction when jogging.
• Sprint in a straight line.
• Change direction when sprinting.
• Maintain control as they change direction.
• Perform different types of jumps e.g. two feet to two feet, two feet to one foot etc.
• Perform a short jumping sequence.
• Jump as high and as far as possible.
• Land safely and with control.
• Work with a partner to develop the control of their jumps.
• Throw underarm and overarm.
• Throw a ball towards a target with increasing accuracy.
• Improve the distance they can throw by using more power.
• Perform learnt skills with some control.
• Engage in competitive activities and team games.

Year 2

By the end of Year 2 children will be able to:

• Run at different paces and describe them.
• Use a range of different stride lengths.
• Travel at different speeds.
• Select the most suitable pace and speed for distance.
• Complete an obstacle course.
• Vary the speed and direction in which they are travelling.
• Run following a curved line.
• Run over different distances.
• Perform and compare different types of jumps e.g. two feet to two feet, two feet to one foot etc.
• Combine different jumps with some fluency and control.
• Jump for distance from a standing position.
• Choose the most appropriate jumps to cover different distances.
• Know that the leg muscles are used when performing a jumping action.
• Throw different types of equipment in different ways for accuracy and distance.
• Throw with accuracy at targets of different heights.
• Investigate ways to alter their throwing technique to achieve greater distance.

Year 3

By the end of Year 3 children will be able to: 

• Identify and demonstrate how different techniques can affect their performance.
• Focus on their arm and leg action to improve their sprinting technique.
• Begin to combine running with jumping over hurdles.
• Understand the importance of adjusting running pace to suit the distance being run.
• Use one and two feet to take off and land.
• Develop an effective take-off for the standing long jump.
• Develop an effective flight phase for the standing long jump.
• Land safely and with control.
• Throw with greater control and accuracy.
• Show increasing control in their overarm throw.
• Perform a push throw.
• Continue to develop techniques to throw for increased distance.

Year 4

By the end of Year 4 children will be able to: 

• Confidently demonstrate an improved technique for sprinting.
• Carry out an effective sprint finish.
• Perform a relay, focusing on the baton changeover technique.
• Speed up and slow down smoothly.
• Learn how to combine a hop, step and jump to perform the standing triple jump.
• Land safely and with control.
• Begin to measure the distance jumped.
• Perform a pull throw.
• Measure the distance of their throws.
• Continue to develop techniques to throw even greater distances.

Year 5

By the end of Year 5 children will be able to: 

• Accelerate from a variety of starting positions and select their favourite.
• Identify their reaction times when performing a sprint start.
• Continue to practise and refine their technique for sprinting, focusing on an effective sprint start.
• Select the most suitable pace for the distance and their fitness level.
• Identify and demonstrate stamina, explaining its importance for runners.
• Improve techniques for jumping for distance.
• Perform an effective standing long jump.
• Perform a standing triple jump.
• Perform a standing vertical jump.
• Land safely and with control.
• Measure the distance and height jumped with accuracy.
• Investigate different jumping techniques.
• Perform a fling throw.
• Throw a variety of implements using a range of throwing techniques.
• Measure and record the distance of their throws.
• Continue to develop techniques to throw for greater distances.

Year 6

By the end of Year 6 children will be able to:

• Recap, practice and refine an effective sprinting technique, including reaction time.
• Build speed up quickly for a sprint finish.
• Run over hurdles with fluency, focusing on the lead leg technique and a consistent stride pattern.
• Accelerate to pass over competitors.
• Work as a team to competitively perform a relay.
• Confidently and independently select the most appropriate pace for different distances and different parts of a run.
• Demonstrate endurance and stamina over longer distances in order to maintain a sustained run.
• Develop their technique for the standing vertical jump.
• Maintain control at each of the different stages of the triple jump.
• Land safely and with control.
• Develop and improve techniques for jumping for height and distance.
• Perform and apply different types of jumps in other contexts.
• Set up and lead jumping activities including measuring jumps with confidence and accuracy.
• Perform a heave throw.
• Measure and record the distance of their throws.
• Continue to develop techniques to throw for increased distance and support others in improving their personal best.
• Develop and refine techniques to throw for accuracy.
• Perform a heave throw.
• Measure and record the distance of their throws.
• Continue to develop techniques to throw for increased distance and support others in improving their personal best.
• Develop and refine techniques to throw for accuracy.