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Big Question

How can we make our performance the best it can be for our audience?

Learning Objectives

  • To understand what makes a good performance
  • To give constructive feedback to help others improve
  • To improve our own performance based on feedback received

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate understanding of performance qualities
  • Students will provide meaningful feedback to peers
  • Students will show improvement in their own performance

Equipment & Resources Required

Tunnel Systems
1

Position for whole hall audio coverage

Alternative: Tablet with portable speaker

Performance Music Track
2-3 tracks

Test audio levels before lesson

Alternative: Downloaded versions if internet unreliable

Digital Cameras
1

Position for full group visibility

Alternative: Phone camera with tripod

Whiteboards
1

Visible to all students for checklist creation

Alternative: Large paper sheets

Markers
3-4

Different colours for checklist items

Alternative: Chalk for blackboard

Number Cards (1-20)
15 of each

For partner identification during peer evaluation

Alternative: Coloured bands or simple badges

Key Vocabulary

Performance

Dancing for other people to watch and enjoy

Timing

Moving with the beat of the music

Feedback

Helpful comments to help someone improve

Levels

High, medium and low positions in dance

Audience

People who watch and appreciate our dancing

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

  • Can remember basic movement sequences
  • Understands simple dance vocabulary
  • Can work safely in shared space

Current Skills

  • Evaluating performance quality
  • Giving constructive feedback
  • Improving based on feedback

Next Steps

  • Creating own dance sequences
  • Teaching movements to others
  • Performing with confidence to larger audiences

Milestone Indicators

1
Identifies key performance qualities
2
Provides specific, helpful feedback
3
Shows visible improvement between performances

Key Teaching Points

  • Focus on improvement and progress rather than perfection
  • Model positive feedback language consistently throughout lesson
  • Connect all activities to specific performance criteria on checklist
  • Maintain celebration and achievement atmosphere while building skills
  • Use rhythm and timing activities to support main performance work
  • Ensure all students experience both performing and evaluating roles
  • Film performances for later comparison and continued learning

Common Misconceptions

  • Performance is only about individual skill rather than group collaboration and support
  • Feedback should focus on mistakes rather than strengths and specific improvements
  • Good performance means perfect execution rather than improvement and effort
  • Timing means moving fast rather than moving with the musical beat
  • Only some children are good performers rather than everyone can improve and contribute

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Movement breaks between sitting activities, clear visual signals for transitions, specific roles to maintain focus
dyspraxia
  • Extra practice time for rhythm activities, simplified movement patterns, focus on effort and improvement over perfection
autism spectrum
  • Clear structure for feedback sessions, predictable routine for performance order, quiet space available if needed for regulation
visual impairment
  • Use verbal descriptions of checklist criteria, ensure clear audio for music timing, buddy support for spatial awareness
hearing impairment
  • Visual demonstrations of rhythm through movement, written checklist criteria, clear visual cues for performance timing
physical disability
  • Adapted movements suitable to individual mobility, focus on achievable performance criteria, alternative participation in filming/feedback roles

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Speaking and listening skills during feedback sessions, vocabulary development through dance terms

Maths

Counting beats and rhythmic patterns, understanding timing and sequence

Art

Understanding performance as creative expression, appreciation of others' creative work

Music

Responding to beat and rhythm, understanding tempo and musical structure

PSHE

Building confidence, giving and receiving feedback, celebrating achievement and supporting others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between audience and performance areas to support both roles, central position for whole group activities

Observation Focus

Watch for application of performance criteria, quality of feedback given, confidence levels in performing

Intervention Points

["Step in if feedback becomes negative or unhelpful", "Support students who are nervous about performing", "Guide timing activities if group struggles with rhythm"]

Demonstration Notes

Model enthusiastic appreciation of performance, demonstrate clear feedback language, show examples of improvement between performances

Verbal Cues
  • •'Remember our checklist!'
  • •'What specific thing did you notice?'
  • •'Show me your performance energy!'
  • •'Listen for that steady beat!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Clear performance area minimum 6m x 6m, additional space for audience seating

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • •Video equipment positioned safely away from movement area
  • •Music system cables secured and not crossing walkways
  • •Number cards distributed safely without rushing

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • •Collisions during group performance
  • •Over-excitement leading to unsafe movement
  • •Emotional responses to performance feedback
Risk Mitigation
  • •Clear boundaries established for performance space
  • •Positive feedback protocols to maintain confidence
  • •Teacher supervision during all movement activities
  • •Gradual build-up of performance confidence

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • •Position for visibility of all performers and audience
  • •Monitor feedback sessions for appropriate tone
  • •Watch for students who may need extra support or encouragement
Emergency Procedures

Standard school emergency procedures, first aid kit accessible, clear exit routes maintained