Lesson 1 - British Values Dance Motif Development
Expressing British Values Through Creative Dance and Choreography
•Year 6
•Dance
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How can we use movement and dance to express the values that make Britain a democratic and inclusive society?
Learning Objectives
- To identify and understand all five British Values through creative movement
- To develop imaginative dance actions that represent different British Values
- To create and perform a 48-64 count motif demonstrating agility, balance, coordination and precision
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate understanding of British Values through creative movement
- Students will work collaboratively to create a structured dance motif
- Students will perform with timing, unison and precision
Equipment & Resources Required
Position for clear sound throughout hall
Alternative: Bluetooth speaker, tablet with speaker
Place one set in each corner of room
Alternative: Printed sheets, laminated cards
Positioned where all students can see clearly
Alternative: Flipchart paper, digital display
Mark four corners and boundary areas
Alternative: Spots, hoops, rope
Land of Hope and Glory, James Bond Theme ready to play
Alternative: CD, streaming service
Key Vocabulary
A short sequence of movements that can be repeated and developed in dance
A system where people vote to choose their leaders and make decisions
Everyone follows the same rules and laws, no matter who they are
Treating others with kindness and understanding their differences
The freedom to make your own choices within the law
Accepting and respecting people who are different from you
Performing movements at exactly the same time
The art of creating and arranging dance movements
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic dance movements and travelling actions
- Understanding of rhythm and timing in music
- Experience working in pairs and small groups
Current Skills
- Creating motifs based on themes and ideas
- Demonstrating agility, balance, coordination and precision
- Working collaboratively to develop choreography
Next Steps
- Developing more complex dance narratives
- Creating longer choreographed sequences
- Understanding different dance styles and cultural contexts
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Ensure respectful and age-appropriate discussion of British Values throughout
- Emphasise the connection between movement and meaning in dance
- Maintain high expectations for both creative expression and respectful behaviour
- Use the motif structure to teach timing, coordination and precision
- Create an inclusive environment where all cultural backgrounds are valued
- Link physical skills (agility, balance, coordination) to artistic expression
- Build confidence through positive feedback and supportive peer relationships
Common Misconceptions
- British Values only apply to people born in Britain - clarify these are values for everyone living in British society
- Democracy means everyone always gets their way - explain compromise and majority decisions
- Dance is only for certain types of people - emphasise that dance is a universal form of expression
- Individual Liberty means you can do whatever you want - explain the importance of laws and respect for others
- Tolerance means accepting behaviour that harms others - clarify the boundaries of tolerance within the law
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Include regular movement breaks, use clear boundaries, provide immediate positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Break movements into smaller steps, allow extra practice time, provide additional support with coordination
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedule, offer quiet space if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Use clear verbal descriptions of movements, provide physical guidance when appropriate, ensure good lighting
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations, hand signals for counting, written instructions on board
physical disability
- Modify movements for seated or limited mobility, focus on upper body expression, adapt spacing
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Vocabulary development, expressing ideas through movement, discussion and reflection skills
History
British cultural heritage, development of democratic institutions and values
Music
Rhythm, timing, and using music to support creative expression
PSHE
Mutual respect, tolerance, individual liberty, and understanding diverse communities
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around the space to observe all students, position centrally during whole-class instruction
Observation Focus
Watch for understanding of concepts, quality of movement, cooperation and inclusive behaviour
Intervention Points
Step in if movements become unsafe, if students are excluded, or if understanding is unclear
Demonstration Notes
Model all movements clearly, show enthusiasm for British Values, demonstrate inclusive leadership
Verbal Cues
- •'Remember our British Values!'
- •'Show me proud, confident movements!'
- •'Stay in time with the music!'
- •'Work together as one team!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m hall space, clear of obstacles and with non-slip surface
Surface Check
Dry, even surface suitable for dance movement, check for any hazards or debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Music system positioned safely away from movement area
- •All electrical equipment PAT tested and cables secured
- •Quiz cards and markers stored safely when not in use
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students during travelling movements
- •Falls during balancing or jumping movements
- •Overexertion during energetic sequences
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear movement boundaries established and maintained
- •Adequate spacing between students at all times
- •Progressive warm-up and appropriate cool-down
- •Movements kept within students' ability levels
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students
- •Monitor energy levels and provide rest breaks if needed
- •Ensure inclusive, supportive atmosphere maintained
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if medical attention required