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Lesson 4 - Chance Choreography with British Values

Expressing British Values Through Creative Dance and Choreography

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Year 5

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Dance

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use chance and creativity to express British Values through collaborative dance?

Learning Objectives

To work effectively in small groups using collaborative skills
To use chance choreography techniques to create original movement sequences
To incorporate formation changes, dynamics, canon, unison, direction and level into group choreography

Key Outcomes

Students will create a 32-64 count dance sequence using chance choreography methods
Students will demonstrate effective group work and communication skills
Students will express understanding of British Values through creative movement

Equipment & Resources Required

Music Player

1 set

Test audio levels before lesson, have backup device ready

Alternative: Tablet with portable speaker, interactive whiteboard audio

Dice

7 dice (1 per group)

Check all dice are complete before distributing

Alternative: Number cards 1-6, digital dice app on tablets

Pencils

1 sheet and pencil per group

Pre-prepare paper with numbers 1-6 for quick reference

Alternative: Small whiteboards, tablets for digital recording

Whiteboards

Pre-write British Values themes before lesson starts

Alternative: Large paper sheets, interactive whiteboard

Suggested music: 'Uptown Funk', 'James Bond Theme'

Playlist ready

Cue tracks to start points, adjust volume for space size

Alternative: Any upbeat music for warm-up, dramatic music for choreography

Key Vocabulary

Chance Choreography

Creating dance movements by using random methods like dice rolls to determine sequences

Formation

The spatial arrangement of dancers in relationship to each other

Canon

When dancers perform the same movement but start at different times, like a round in music

Unison

When all dancers perform the same movement at exactly the same time

Dynamics

How energy and force are used in movement - sharp, smooth, strong, gentle

British Values

The fundamental principles that underpin life in Britain: democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, tolerance

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Understanding of basic dance formations and levels
Knowledge of simple choreographic elements
Experience working in small groups for creative tasks

Current Skills

Chance choreography techniques using dice and random selection
Creating movements that represent abstract concepts (British Values)
Combining formation, dynamics, canon, unison, direction and level

Next Steps

Developing more complex multi-part choreography
Leading and teaching choreography to other groups
Creating performance-ready pieces with costume and staging

Milestone Indicators

Students can explain what chance choreography means

Groups can demonstrate all six choreographic elements

Movement clearly represents chosen British Values themes

Key Teaching Points

Chance choreography removes pressure and creates unexpected creative opportunities
British Values can be expressed through abstract movement and don't need literal representation
Formation, dynamics, canon, unison, direction and level are the building blocks of choreography
Group cooperation is essential for successful choreographic creation
Random combinations often produce more interesting results than predictable choices
Performance confidence comes from thorough preparation and group support
Constructive feedback should focus on specific choreographic elements and creative choices

Common Misconceptions

Random means messy - clarify that chance choreography is structured randomness
British Values must be represented literally - encourage abstract and creative interpretation
All choreographic elements must be used simultaneously - build complexity gradually
Perfect performance is expected - emphasise creativity and effort over perfection
Dice results that seem 'wrong' should be changed - trust the chance process
Feedback should focus on mistakes - teach constructive, strength-based feedback

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter chunks of choreographic development, regular movement breaks, clear boundaries and expectations

dyspraxia

Simplified movement sequences, additional practice time, peer support for complex choreography

autism spectrum

Clear structure and expectations, visual schedule of lesson phases, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Clear verbal descriptions of choreographic elements, tactile guidance for formations, audio cues for timing

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all concepts, written instructions available, vibrotactile cues for music timing

physical disability

Modified movements within individual capability, seated or supported versions of actions, adapted formations

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development with choreographic terms, communication and discussion skills, giving and receiving feedback

Art

Creative interpretation and expression, aesthetic understanding, visual composition through formation work

History

Understanding of British democratic development, rule of law concepts, historical context of British Values

PSHE

British Values education, citizenship, cooperation and respect, cultural identity and pride

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during instruction, active circulation during group work, clear sightlines during performances

Observation Focus

Group cooperation, creative problem-solving, safe movement choices, inclusive participation

Intervention Points

Step in if groups struggle with British Values concepts, unsafe movement choices, or breakdown in cooperation

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Enthusiastic engagement with chance choreography process, respectful interpretation of British Values, effective group cooperation strategies

Verbal Cues

•'Show me your British Values with pride and confidence!'
•'Remember to include everyone in your creative choices'
•'Let chance surprise you with interesting combinations!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum hall size with clear performance area and safe zones for each group to work

Surface Check

Clean, non-slip surface suitable for dance movement and floor work

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check dice are complete and safe (no sharp edges)
•Ensure pencils are used safely and stored appropriately
•Verify music equipment is positioned safely away from movement areas

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between groups during energetic choreography
•Overexertion during performance phases
•Inappropriate movements for age/ability level

Risk Mitigation

•Clear group boundaries established and maintained
•Progressive building of choreography from simple to complex
•Teacher approval of all movements before performance
•Adequate rest periods built into lesson structure

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all groups during independent work
•Circulate actively during choreography development phase
•Monitor energy levels and adjust intensity as needed

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, ensure safe space for all students