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Lesson 5 - Compositional Ideas & Entrance

Musical Performance Collaboration

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Year 6

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Gymnastics

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use compositional ideas to create powerful and engaging gymnastic performances?

Learning Objectives

To work collaboratively with others using compositional ideas effectively
To identify and apply a variety of compositional techniques including mirroring, matching, canon and unison
To demonstrate an appropriate entrance and presentation for gymnastic performance

Key Outcomes

Students will create sequences using at least two compositional ideas
Students will perform a confident and appropriate entrance with correct presentation technique
Students will evaluate and improve their own and others' performances using compositional vocabulary

Equipment & Resources Required

Gymnastics Mats

7 large mats

Arrange in performance areas around the space with clear walkways

Alternative: Crash mats or floor exercise mats

Cards

8-10 cards

Available at stations for reference during partner work

Alternative: Visual diagrams on wall or iPad images

Music Player

1 system with wireless capability

Positioned centrally for whole group instruction

Alternative: iPad with Bluetooth speaker

Cones

12 cones

Mark performance areas and entrance lines

Alternative: Bean bags or spots

Key Vocabulary

Releve walk

A gymnastics walk performed on the balls of the feet with straight legs and no heel contact

Presentation

The formal acknowledgement to the judge at the start and end of a gymnastics routine

Mirroring

Performing the same movements as your partner but as if looking in a mirror - opposite sides

Matching

Performing exactly the same movements as your partner on the same side of the body

Canon

Performing the same sequence but starting at different times, creating a follow-the-leader effect

Unison

Performing movements at exactly the same time in perfect synchronisation

Compositional ideas

Techniques used to make gymnastic sequences more interesting and varied, including levels, directions, speeds and formations

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic gymnastic shapes and balances
Simple sequence creation
Understanding of high, medium and low levels
Basic partner work skills

Current Skills

Releve walk technique
Formal presentation to judge
Compositional ideas: mirroring, matching, canon, unison
Collaborative sequence creation with entrance

Next Steps

Complex multi-person compositional work
Competition-standard routine development
Advanced performance skills and artistry
Choreographic leadership roles

Milestone Indicators

Confident releve walk without heel touches

Clear differentiation between mirroring and matching

Smooth transitions between compositional ideas

Professional presentation technique

Key Teaching Points

Releve walk must maintain high position throughout with no heel contact
Clear distinction between mirroring (opposite) and matching (same side)
Canon requires deliberate timing delay, unison needs perfect synchronisation
Professional presentation includes waiting for judge's signal
Compositional ideas should be obvious and clearly demonstrated
Partner work requires communication and cooperation
Performance mindset begins from the moment of entrance

Common Misconceptions

Thinking mirroring and matching are the same thing
Believing canon and unison are interchangeable terms
Assuming presentation can be rushed or casual
Expecting compositional ideas to happen automatically without practice
Thinking releve walk is just walking on tip-toes

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular activity changes, clear boundaries, frequent positive feedback, movement breaks built in

dyspraxia

Slower pace for complex movements, extra practice time for releve walk, simplified compositional patterns initially

autism spectrum

Clear structure and routine, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions for compositional ideas, tactile guidance for releve walk, clear audio cues for timing

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations essential, written cards for instructions, partner support for following sequences

physical disability

Adapted presentation from seated position, modified compositional ideas using available movement, focus on achievable elements

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Using specific vocabulary to describe compositional ideas and evaluate performances

Maths

Counting beats for timing in canon work, understanding symmetry in mirroring

Art

Composition and design principles applied to movement

Music

Understanding of canon, rhythm and timing in movement

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the space to observe all pairs, central position for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for understanding of compositional concepts, quality of partner cooperation, technique in releve walk

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with compositional concepts or partner cooperation breaking down

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate compositional ideas clearly with student volunteer, show male and female presentation styles, exaggerate releve walk technique for visibility

Verbal Cues

•'Remember opposite sides for mirroring!'
•'Keep those heels up in releve!'
•'Canon means follow the leader with a delay!'
•'Professional entrance from the moment you start!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor space minimum 12m x 12m, preferably school hall with gymnastics mats

Surface Check

Clean, non-slip surface free from obstacles, mats checked for damage

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Gymnastics mats properly positioned and secured
•Cones and markers placed safely away from movement areas
•Music equipment positioned securely

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Slips and falls during releve walk practice
•Collisions during partner work
•Overstretching during cool-down

Risk Mitigation

•Adequate spacing enforced between students
•Slow, controlled movements emphasised
•Clear boundaries and movement areas established
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all partner work
•Monitor releve walk technique to prevent injury
•Watch for appropriate physical contact during mirroring/matching

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, contact office if needed