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Big Question

How can we perform our group sequences with precision, creativity and confidence in front of an audience?

Learning Objectives

  • To refine and perform group sequences using unison and canon
  • To demonstrate asymmetrical and symmetrical movements at different levels
  • To perform confidently in front of an audience and provide constructive feedback

Key Outcomes

  • Students will have performed polished group sequences showing variety in levels, direction and timing
  • Students will have demonstrated audience performance skills with confidence
  • Students will have assessed their own progress and enjoyment in gymnastics

Equipment & Resources Required

Gymnastics Mats
15-20

Set up before lesson, ensure safe spacing between apparatus

Alternative: Benches, mats, wall bars if available

Coloured Cones
4 different colours

Place in corners for assessment activity

Alternative: Coloured spots, bean bags

Stopwatch
1

For timing apparatus setup challenge

Alternative: Phone timer, wall clock

Digital Cameras
1

For recording performances and assessment evidence

Alternative: Phone camera

Key Vocabulary

Asymmetrical

Body shapes where left and right sides are different

Unison

Performing movements at exactly the same time

Canon

Performing the same movement but starting at different times

Transitional moves

Movements that connect one position to another smoothly

Performance quality

Demonstrating control, confidence and artistic expression

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Can perform basic gymnastic shapes and balances
  • Understands concept of unison and canon
  • Can work cooperatively in small groups

Current Skills

  • Refining group sequences with precision timing
  • Performing asymmetrical and symmetrical movements
  • Developing performance confidence and audience awareness

Next Steps

  • Creating more complex multi-level sequences
  • Leading warm-ups and teaching peers
  • Exploring competitive gymnastics opportunities

Milestone Indicators

1
Sequences flow smoothly with clear timing
2
Confident performance without self-consciousness
3
Constructive feedback given and received positively

Key Teaching Points

  • Emphasise quality and control over complex difficulty
  • Encourage collaborative decision-making in group work
  • Build performance confidence through supportive audience skills
  • Connect classroom learning to real-world gymnastics opportunities
  • Use positive reinforcement to celebrate effort and improvement
  • Maintain high safety standards during apparatus work
  • Develop students' ability to give and receive constructive feedback

Common Misconceptions

  • Harder skills are always better than controlled basic skills
  • Individual performance is more important than group coordination
  • Asymmetrical means unbalanced or unstable
  • Canon and unison are the same thing
  • Performance is only about not making mistakes
  • Gymnastics is only for naturally flexible or strong students

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Short activity segments, clear boundaries, regular movement opportunities, positive reinforcement
dyspraxia
  • Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step instruction breaking, peer support
autism spectrum
  • Clear routine structure, quiet retreat space available, visual schedule for lesson sequence
visual impairment
  • Verbal descriptions of movements, tactile guidance for apparatus, buddy system for navigation
hearing impairment
  • Visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, visual cues for timing
physical disability
  • Adapted apparatus heights, wheelchair accessible routes, modified movement patterns

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Performance skills, audience awareness, descriptive vocabulary for movement quality

Maths

Symmetry and asymmetry concepts, timing and counting in sequences, spatial awareness and geometry

Science

Forces and balance, muscle and skeleton function, coordination and control systems

PSHE

Self-confidence, teamwork, perseverance, celebrating achievements, goal setting

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move continuously between groups, prioritising apparatus stations during main activity

Observation Focus

Quality of movement, group cooperation, safety awareness, individual confidence levels

Intervention Points

Step in when safety concerns arise, when groups struggle with collaboration, or when individuals need confidence support

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Use students to show excellent examples, emphasise key teaching points through visual examples, maintain high energy and enthusiasm

Verbal Cues
  • •'Strong positions!'
  • •'Together now!'
  • •'Quality over speed!'
  • •'Show me your best!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall space minimum 15m x 12m for apparatus and group work

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, clear of obstacles, apparatus areas properly matted

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • •All apparatus checked for stability and correct assembly
  • •Adequate matting around and under apparatus
  • •No damaged or worn equipment in use

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • •Falls from apparatus
  • •Collisions during group movements
  • •Strain from lifting apparatus
  • •Overexertion during sequences
Risk Mitigation
  • •Proper apparatus setup and safety checks
  • •Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between groups
  • •Two-person lifting policy for all apparatus
  • •Progressive skill building and appropriate challenges

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • •Position for clear view of all apparatus stations
  • •Close supervision during apparatus work
  • •Monitor fatigue levels throughout lesson
Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required