🎵

Lesson 6 - Performance Evaluation and Improvement

Expressing British Values Through Creative Dance and Choreography

•

Year 6

•

Dance

•

Big Question

How can we become skilled critics and performers who help each other achieve excellence?

Learning Objectives

To identify and describe the qualities of an excellent dance performance using technical vocabulary
To provide constructive feedback to peers using appropriate dance terminology and structured evaluation methods
To demonstrate improvement in personal performance based on received feedback and self-reflection

Key Outcomes

Students will evaluate performances using specific technical dance language
Students will give meaningful feedback using the two stars and a wish format
Students will show measurable improvement in their Highway Man performance based on peer feedback

Equipment & Resources Required

Digital Cameras

Position for clear view of performance area, test recording function before lesson

Alternative: Smartphone with video capability

Sun Markers

1 set

Prepare space for creating evaluation checklist with class

Alternative: Flipchart paper and markers, digital display board

Tunnel Systems

Test audio quality, have Highway Man music ready to play

Alternative: Portable speaker with phone connection

Team bibs

30 (1-15 sets)

Prepare numbered items for quick partner pairing system

Alternative: Simple number cards on string, coloured bands

Mats

15 (1 per pair)

Distribute around edges of space for cool-down activities

Alternative: Towels, designated floor space areas

Key Vocabulary

Extension

Stretching body parts to their full length to create clean, sharp lines

Accuracy

Performing movements precisely as choreographed with correct timing and positioning

Performance Quality

The overall impact and excellence of a dance including technical skill and artistic expression

Evaluation

Carefully observing and judging the quality of a performance using specific criteria

Constructive Feedback

Helpful comments that identify strengths and suggest specific improvements

Technical Vocabulary

Specific dance words that describe movements, positions, and performance qualities

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Students have created a Highway Man themed dance performance
Students understand basic dance movements and formations
Students have experience working collaboratively in dance
Students know fundamental warm-up and cool-down principles

Current Skills

Evaluating dance performances using technical vocabulary
Providing constructive feedback using structured methods
Responding positively to feedback and making improvements
Leading peer warm-up activities with understanding of exercise effects

Next Steps

Creating original choreography incorporating feedback principles
Teaching dance skills to younger students
Developing advanced performance skills with professional presentation standards
Understanding dance in cultural and historical contexts

Milestone Indicators

Uses technical dance vocabulary accurately in evaluations

Gives feedback that leads to visible improvement in partner's performance

Shows measurable improvement between first and final performance

Demonstrates leadership in peer warm-up activities

Key Teaching Points

Model excellent feedback language throughout using specific examples and technical vocabulary
Ensure evaluation criteria are understood by all students before beginning peer assessment
Celebrate improvement efforts as much as natural ability to build confidence and growth mindset
Maintain focus on constructive, kind feedback that genuinely helps others improve
Connect evaluation skills to real-world applications in sports, arts, and personal development
Use video comparison opportunities to make improvement visible and celebrate progress
Build students' confidence as both performers and evaluators through structured support

Common Misconceptions

Believing evaluation means finding faults - emphasise it's about recognising strengths and suggesting improvements
Thinking feedback should be vague to avoid hurting feelings - teach that specific feedback is more helpful and kinder
Assuming technical vocabulary is too difficult - show how it helps communicate more precisely and professionally
Believing only 'natural' performers can improve - demonstrate how feedback and practice lead to measurable improvement
Thinking evaluation is only for teachers - show how peer feedback develops critical thinking and communication skills

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter evaluation segments, provide movement breaks, offer fidget tools during observation periods

dyspraxia

Focus on effort and improvement rather than precision, provide extra support during feedback sessions, celebrate individual progress

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure for feedback sessions, use visual supports for evaluation checklist, allow processing time between activities

visual impairment

Provide verbal descriptions of performance elements, use tactile guidance for posture and movement quality, ensure clear audio feedback

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstration for all criteria, provide written checklist, use clear visual cues for feedback timing

physical disability

Adapt performance expectations to individual capabilities, focus evaluation on achievable elements, ensure inclusive feedback criteria

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, articulating opinions clearly, giving structured feedback using specific linguistic frameworks

Science

Understanding exercise effects on cardiovascular and respiratory systems, explaining physiological changes during physical activity

PSHE

Building confidence through performance, giving and receiving constructive criticism, celebrating others' achievements, developing resilience

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move actively between groups during feedback sessions, position for clear view of all activities while remaining accessible for support

Observation Focus

Watch for quality of feedback language, emotional responses to evaluation, improvement in performance quality, use of technical vocabulary

Intervention Points

Step in immediately if feedback becomes unkind, support students struggling with evaluation concepts, celebrate specific improvements observed

Demonstration Notes

Model excellent feedback throughout lesson, demonstrate performance qualities clearly, show visible enthusiasm for students' achievements and progress

Verbal Cues

•'Use our checklist words!'
•'Be specific in your feedback!'
•'Remember two stars and a wish!'
•'Show me that improvement!'
•'Beautiful extension there!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall space minimum 15m x 20m to accommodate whole class performance and individual practice areas

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles, adequate ventilation for physical activity

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Video recording equipment positioned safely away from movement areas
•Music system volume appropriate for instruction and performance
•Numbered bibs/cards in good condition without sharp edges or loose parts

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during individual performance spaces
•Emotional distress from peer evaluation
•Overexertion during warm-up or performance
•Inappropriate or unkind feedback affecting self-esteem

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established between performance areas
•Structured feedback training with kind language emphasis
•Teacher monitoring of all feedback sessions
•Progressive warm-up and cool-down protocols
•Positive celebration atmosphere throughout

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all pairs during feedback sessions
•Circulate actively during peer evaluation to monitor language and behaviour
•Have clear view of performance area for safety and assessment

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if emotional distress occurs, provide private support, have alternative activities for students who need breaks from evaluation