Here are the learning objectives for Running from infants to 6th class:
Junior/Senior Infants
- walk or jog in a non-competitive setting for periods extending from 30 seconds to 90 seconds
- sprint distances of 10 to 20 m
- practise reaction sprints
- practise the standing start
- participate in a pair relay using a beanbag
- participate in team relays, in small groups, using various means of travelling
- run over flat markers
- run over flat markers evenly spaced
- run over low hurdles, i.e. less than 20 cm high
- run over low hurdles, evenly spaced
1st/2nd Class
- walk or jog in a non-competitive setting for periods extending from 30 seconds to two minutes
- sprint distances of 20 to 30 m with the emphasis on sustained effort throughout the sprint
- practise reaction sprints
- practise the standing start
- participate in a pair relay using a beanbag, developing simple technique
- participate in team relays or shuttle relays in small groups, using various means of travelling
- run over evenly spaced low hurdles (30 cm high approximately)
- practise the technique of hurdling
3rd/4th Class
- walk, jog or run in a non-competitive setting for periods extending from 30 seconds to 3 minutes
- sprint distances of 30 to 60 m, developing good acceleration and finishing technique
- practise reaction sprints
- practise the standing start
- participate in a pair relay using a beanbag, developing simple technique
- practise baton change-over technique while stationary, with a partner, developing into practice with a team of four
- practise baton change-over technique while moving slowly, with a partner, developing into practice with a team of four
- practise the standard relay (i.e. four children per team, using a baton) in a straight line
- participate in team relays or shuttle relays in small groups, using various means of travelling
- run a distance of 20 to 40 m over evenly spaced hurdles (30-40 cm high approximately)
- practise the technique of hurdling
5th/6th Class
- jog or run in a non-competitive setting for periods extending from 30 seconds to 5 minutes
- sprint distances of 50-70 m, developing good acceleration and finishing technique
- practise reaction sprints
- practise the standing start
- practise shuttle sprints (repeat sprints) over a distance of 30 m
- practise baton change-over technique while moving in teams of four
- participate in a relay in a straight line using a baton, with four children per team
- participate in a standard relay (i.e. four children per team, using a baton) on an oval track, each child running a distance of 50 m approximately
- participate in team relays in small groups
- run a distance of 40-60 m over evenly spaced hurdles (40-50 cm high approximately)
- practise the technique of hurdling
- run a distance of 150 m approximately over unevenly spaced hurdles (30 cm high approximately)