Victorian Circus: Movement, Character and Social Commentary
•Year 5
•Dance
•Positioned where all students can hear clearly
Alternative: iPad with speaker, laptop with speakers
Pre-selected tracks with clear start/stop points
Alternative: Classical music, dramatic instrumental pieces
For recording outcast adjectives and success criteria
Alternative: Large paper sheets, tablet for displaying
Different colours for categorising adjectives
Alternative: Chalk for blackboard, digital stylus
Define performance area boundaries and partner spaces
Alternative: Spots, bean bags, tape marks
A short sequence of 2-3 movements that can be repeated and developed
Playing a role through movement, expression and gesture
Someone rejected by society, often unfairly in the 1850s
Performing the same movements but starting at different times
Performing movements together at exactly the same time
The height of movements - high, medium, or low
Using face and body to show emotions and character
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Vocabulary development, describing character and emotion, empathy through literature
Victorian society, social hierarchies, treatment of minorities and disabled people in 19th century
Diversity and inclusion, understanding prejudice, developing empathy and respect
Move around room to observe all pairs, position near discussions to monitor language
Character development, partner cooperation, respectful language about differences
Step in if inappropriate language used, support students struggling with emotional content
Use clear, exaggerated movements to show character differences, model respectful discussion of sensitive topics
Minimum 8m x 12m clear space, suitable for partner work and group movement
Non-slip surface essential, check for any obstacles or hazards before lesson
Stop activity immediately if any student distressed, first aid available for minor injuries, pastoral support for emotional responses
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.