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Lesson 6 - Formation Work and Roman Soldiers

Machines & Forces Dance

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Year 3

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Dance

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1h 18min

Big Question

How can we use formations and poses to tell the story of powerful Roman soldiers?

Learning Objectives

To understand and use formations effectively in dance
To create poses which relate to the Roman soldier stimulus
To demonstrate control when moving between formations

Key Outcomes

Students will create strong, bold poses representing Roman soldiers
Students will work in formations and transition smoothly between them
Students will demonstrate unison and canon movements with good timing

Equipment & Resources Required

Tunnel Systems

Position for clear sound throughout hall

Alternative: Portable speaker, tablet with external speaker

Track

1 digital file

Test volume levels before lesson

Alternative: Dramatic classical music, marching music

Science Videos

1 digital file

Have ready on device for stimulus discussion

Alternative: Images of Roman soldiers, Roman formation pictures

Beats Audio

1 digital file

Separate track from main Romans music

Alternative: Upbeat contemporary music

Cones

8-12

For marking formation positions if needed

Alternative: Spots, bean bags

Key Vocabulary

Formation

The way people arrange themselves in relation to each other in space

Unison

When everyone moves at exactly the same time in the same way

Canon

When the same movement is performed by different people at different times

Levels

The height at which movements and poses are performed - high, medium, low

Dynamics

How energy is used in movement - strong, gentle, sudden, sustained

Stimulus

The starting point or inspiration for creating a dance

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of levels in dance
Experience working in small groups
Ability to follow simple counts

Current Skills

Creating character-based poses
Understanding and using formations
Moving in unison and canon

Next Steps

Creating narrative dances with clear structure
Advanced formation work with larger groups
Choreographing dances independently

Milestone Indicators

Students can create three distinct character poses

Groups can demonstrate at least four different formations

Students can maintain timing when moving in unison

Key Teaching Points

Formations are spatial arrangements that create visual impact and tell stories
Strong, characterful poses communicate the Roman soldier theme effectively
Unison movement creates power and unity, while canon creates flow and rhythm
Timing and counting are essential for successful group work
Group cooperation and communication are vital for formation changes
Quality of movement and character maintenance enhance performance impact
Audience skills and constructive feedback develop appreciation of dance

Common Misconceptions

Thinking formations are just standing in lines - explain variety of spatial arrangements
Confusing unison and canon - use clear demonstrations of same time vs different times
Believing attack movements should be uncontrolled - emphasise controlled, safe movement
Thinking individual poses don't matter in group work - stress importance of personal contribution
Assuming faster is better - emphasise quality and control over speed
Believing some students can't create strong poses - encourage all students to find their own powerful positions

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear movement boundaries, allow for movement breaks, use engaging Roman theme throughout

dyspraxia

Allow extra time for formation changes, provide additional practice of sequences, use simple formations initially, buddy support for timing

autism spectrum

Provide visual formation cards, clear structure and routine, quiet space available if needed, predictable timing and sequences

visual impairment

Use clear verbal descriptions of formations, tactile guidance for positioning, audio cues for timing, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Visual demonstration of all formations, hand signals for timing, written formation cards, ensure students can see demonstrations clearly

physical disability

Adapt poses for seated positions, modify formation movements for wheelchair users, focus on upper body poses and movements

Cross-Curricular Links

Drama

Character development, performance skills, audience awareness, storytelling through movement

History

Roman Empire, Roman army organisation, military formations and tactics, Roman society and culture

Mathematics

Counting in 8s, spatial arrangements, symmetry in formations, timing and patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills, supporting others, building confidence

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the space to observe all groups, position at front for demonstrations, ensure clear sightlines to all students

Observation Focus

Watch for group cooperation, timing accuracy, pose quality, and safe movement between formations

Intervention Points

Step in if formation changes become unsafe, support groups struggling with timing, encourage participation from quieter students

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for formations, demonstrate pose quality with strong, bold positions, show timing clearly for unison and canon

Verbal Cues

•'Strong poses like Roman warriors!'
•'Count together: 1, 2, 3, 4!'
•'Smooth formation changes!'
•'Show me the power of unison!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor space (school hall or studio), minimum 8m x 10m for groups of 4 to move safely between formations

Surface Check

Clean, non-slip floor suitable for dance movement, check for any hazards or obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Audio equipment positioned safely away from movement area
•Ensure volume levels appropriate for instruction
•Check cables are secured and not trip hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during formation changes
•Falls during marching or pose transitions
•Overexcitement during attack movements

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing between groups during practice
•Controlled movement speeds, especially during formation changes
•Emphasis on safe, controlled 'attack' movements
•Clear boundaries and movement areas established

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all groups during formation work
•Monitor spacing between groups during movement
•Ensure attack movements remain controlled and safe

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if any safety concerns, established first aid procedures for any injuries, clear evacuation routes maintained

Lesson 6 - Formation Work and Roman Soldiers

How can we use formations and poses to tell the story of powerful Roman soldiers?

Learning Objectives

Key Outcomes

Equipment & Resources Required

Key Vocabulary

Skill Progression Pathway

Prior Learning

Current Skills

Next Steps

Milestone Indicators

Key Teaching Points

Common Misconceptions

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

dyspraxia

autism spectrum

visual impairment

hearing impairment

physical disability

Cross-Curricular Links

Drama

History

Mathematics

PSHE

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Observation Focus

Intervention Points

Demonstration Notes

Verbal Cues

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Surface Check

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

Risk Management

Key Risks

Risk Mitigation

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

Emergency Procedures

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