Breaking Down the Athletics Unit

As part of our Athletics unit, we are aiming to have all the kids ultimately understand that: A) Athletics is a great unit that keeps them active and can challenge them to achieve their personal best; and B) There are numerous ways to improve upon their performance
A quick glance at the aims of each week are as follows:

Week 1- All students from Kindergarten to Grade 5 will do time trials in the 220m, 60m, and the 40m hurdles, as well will have results recorded in high jump, long jump, hammer throw, and rubber chicken throw (a fun alternative to ball throw or javelin).
Each student is given a Record Sheet that is put into their Sportfolio. The students all identify three events that they would like to improve on once all the data has been recorded.

Weeks 2 & 3- The students will be introduced to a number of training drills in running, jumping, and throwing events. They will also be exposed to a variety of fun games and activities that have a specific focus (leaping and bounding, throwing for distance, and sprinting etc.). Once all the training activities and fun games have been introduced to them, they are provided the opportunity to make choices about what they want to do in order to improve. Time management is stressed and we allow the students to inquire into the best ways to practice ensuring that time is used efficiently. A checklist is provided to allow them to record  and track which stations they visit. We want them to ultimately aim at being balanced in terms of dividing their time up equally between the fun activities and training activities that have been set up around the field.

Week 4- All students once again do time trials and have a go at the field events with all results recorded on original record sheet. Comparisons can now be made. The majority of students will achieve many personal best results. Great to see the smiles on their faces when the better a personal best!

Week 5- Students take part in the annual Sports Day and to finish off the unit, will do final reflections.

Week 6- Students take part in regional track and field meet at the other big international school in Phnom Penh. (Northbridge)

Note: Certificates provided to each student with Sports day results card pasted to the certificate.
          Students choose a favorite event and get their picture taken doing the event (included in Sportfolio)