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Big Question

How can we combine strength, flexibility and control to create a beautiful gymnastics sequence?

Learning Objectives

  • To perform showing strength, flexibility and control in our gymnastics sequence
  • To demonstrate good body control and extension in gymnastics actions
  • To show fluency in transitions between gymnastics components

Key Outcomes

  • Students will perform a complete body management routine with improved technique
  • Students will demonstrate controlled extension in gymnastics actions
  • Students will evaluate their own and others' performances to suggest improvements

Equipment & Resources Required

Gymnastics Mats
15-20 mats

Arrange in a large rectangle for routine practice

Alternative: Carpet squares or crash mats

Music Player
1

Positioned for whole class to hear

Alternative: Tablet or phone with speaker

PE Equipment
1 clear space

Clear space at front for demonstrations

Alternative: Central mat area

Key Vocabulary

Extension

Straightening and lengthening the body or limbs to show good lines

Static stretching

Holding a stretch position without movement for a period of time

Body management

Controlling your body position and movement with strength and balance

Fluency

Smooth, flowing movement from one action to another

Routine

A sequence of movements performed in a specific order

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Students have learned individual elements of body management
  • Students understand the difference between static and dynamic stretching
  • Students can perform basic gymnastics shapes and movements

Current Skills

  • Linking body management elements into a complete routine
  • Performing with extension and control
  • Evaluating and improving performance

Next Steps

  • Creating original gymnastics sequences
  • Performing on different apparatus
  • Teaching sequences to others

Milestone Indicators

1
Smooth transitions between elements
2
Consistent extension in actions
3
Ability to give specific feedback

Key Teaching Points

  • Extension in gymnastics improves both aesthetics and control
  • Static stretching involves holding positions without bouncing
  • Personal range of movement is more important than comparing with others
  • Fluent transitions require practice and good body awareness
  • Strength and flexibility work together in gymnastics performance
  • Breathing should continue normally during static stretches
  • Quality of movement is more important than speed of performance

Common Misconceptions

  • Flexibility means pushing into painful ranges - correct by emphasising comfort zones
  • Stronger means forcing movements - correct by focusing on control over power
  • Extension is only about reaching far - correct by explaining body alignment and tension
  • Gymnastics is only for flexible people - correct by showing how everyone can improve
  • Static stretching should hurt to be effective - correct by explaining gentle, comfortable stretching

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Break routine into smaller chunks, provide additional movement breaks, use clear start/stop signals
dyspraxia
  • Simplify sequence initially, provide additional practice time, use verbal cues for body awareness
autism spectrum
  • Provide visual sequence cards, allow practice time before performance, create quiet space if needed for breaks
visual impairment
  • Use tactile guidance for body positions, provide detailed verbal descriptions of movements, use bright coloured mats for contrast
hearing impairment
  • Provide visual demonstrations and written sequence cards, use hand signals for timing, ensure students can see teacher clearly
physical disability
  • Adapt range of movement requirements, provide alternative positions for floor work, use support aids as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Using descriptive vocabulary for movement quality, giving constructive feedback to partners, following complex sequence instructions

Maths

Counting sequences in bouncing activities, measuring flexibility ranges, understanding angles in body positions, timing activities with seconds

Science

Understanding muscle groups and their functions, learning about flexibility and strength development, body systems during exercise

PSHE

Building self-confidence through achievement, developing resilience in challenging activities, giving supportive feedback to others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the outside of activity area for maximum visibility, spend time near students attempting challenging elements

Observation Focus

Watch for extension quality, controlled movements, appropriate flexibility ranges, and positive peer interactions

Intervention Points

Step in when students push flexibility too far, when control is lost in dynamic movements, or when negative feedback occurs

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate with perfect extension and control, emphasise the aesthetic value of good technique, show both correct and improved versions for comparison

Verbal Cues
  • •'Point those toes!'
  • •'Strong and controlled'
  • •'Only as far as comfortable'
  • •'Show me those beautiful lines'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 12m hall space with appropriate matting

Surface Check

Non-slip mats properly positioned, even surface underneath

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • •Mats checked for tears or damage
  • •Adequate mat coverage for all floor work
  • •Demonstration area clear of obstacles

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • •Overextending in flexibility positions
  • •Loss of control during rolling actions
  • •Inappropriate range of movement in splits
Risk Mitigation
  • •Emphasise personal range of movement only
  • •Progressive skill building from basic to advanced
  • •Clear safety guidelines for static stretching
  • •Teacher monitoring of appropriate intensity

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • •Position for clear view of all students during floor work
  • •Monitor individual students' range of movement
  • •Watch for signs of fatigue affecting control
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students continue safely with modified activity