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Lesson 1 - British Values in Dance

British Values in Creative Dance

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Year 7

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Dance

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Big Question

How can we express the fundamental values that unite British society through creative movement and dance?

Learning Objectives

To identify and understand all 5 British Values through movement exploration
To create imaginative choreographic actions that represent each British Value
To develop and perform a 48-64 count motif demonstrating timing and unison
To collaborate effectively in creating and refining dance sequences

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate understanding of British Values through creative movement
Students will have created and performed a structured dance motif with accurate timing
Students will show improved ability to work in unison with musical accompaniment
Students will have developed collaborative choreographic skills

Equipment & Resources Required

Tunnel Systems

1 set

Position centrally for clear audio throughout space

Alternative: Portable Bluetooth speaker, tablet with speaker

Land of Hope and Glory

Digital file

Cued and ready to play for warm-up activities

Alternative: Other patriotic British music, classical marches

James Bond Theme

Digital file

Prepared for main motif practice with clear beat

Alternative: Other recognizable British film themes

Quiz Questions

10-15 questions

Questions prepared on cards or displayed digitally

Alternative: Create own based on curriculum requirements

Cones

4 sets (A, B, C, D)

Clearly visible in each corner of activity space

Alternative: Coloured cones, laminated letters, floor tape

Sun Markers

1 board, 3-4 markers

Positioned where all students can see clearly

Alternative: Flipchart paper, digital whiteboard, tablets

Key Vocabulary

British Values

The fundamental principles that underpin British society: Democracy, Rule of Law, Individual Liberty, Mutual Respect, and Tolerance

Democracy

A system where people have a say in decisions that affect them

Rule of Law

Everyone follows the same rules and laws, fairly applied to all

Individual Liberty

Freedom to make your own choices within the law

Mutual Respect

Treating others with consideration and valuing their opinions

Tolerance

Accepting and respecting differences in others

Motif

A short sequence of movements that can be repeated and developed

Unison

Performing exactly the same movements at exactly the same time

Choreography

The art of creating and arranging dance movements

Timing

Performing movements in rhythm with the music or beat

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of rhythm and beat from music lessons
Experience working in pairs and small groups
Basic knowledge of British society from citizenship education
Fundamental movement skills: walking, jumping, balancing

Current Skills

Creating symbolic movements to represent abstract concepts
Performing choreographed sequences in time with music
Working collaboratively to build group compositions
Understanding and applying the concept of unison in dance

Next Steps

Developing more complex choreographic structures
Creating dance pieces that tell stories or convey emotions
Learning traditional British folk dances
Exploring dance from different cultures and communities

Milestone Indicators

Students can create movements that clearly represent abstract concepts

Students maintain timing accuracy for 8+ count phrases

Students demonstrate improved spatial awareness and group coordination

Students show increased confidence in creative expression

Key Teaching Points

British Values are fundamental principles that unite British society and should be understood by all citizens
Creative movement can effectively communicate abstract concepts and make learning memorable
Unison in dance requires concentration, cooperation and careful listening to both music and each other
Democratic decision-making in choreography mirrors democratic principles in society
Performance confidence grows through supportive practice and constructive feedback
Physical activity should always include proper warm-up and cool-down for safety and effectiveness
Collaboration in creative activities builds essential life skills of communication and compromise

Common Misconceptions

British Values are only relevant to British citizens - actually they're universal principles applicable to all
Democracy means majority always wins - need to understand protection of minority rights and individual voices
Dance is only for certain types of people - emphasise that movement and creativity are for everyone
Unison means moving at the same speed - actually means moving with exactly the same timing and coordination
Tolerance means accepting everything - need to understand tolerance within legal and moral frameworks
Creative movement has no rules - actually requires structure, timing and consideration for others
Performance is about being perfect - emphasise effort, expression and improvement over perfection

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter activity segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, allow movement breaks, use high-engagement activities

dyspraxia

Break movements into smaller steps, provide extra practice time, use simplified movement patterns, focus on effort over perfection

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if overwhelmed, prepare for changes in advance

visual impairment

Use clear verbal descriptions of movements, tactile guidance for positioning, audio cues for timing

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with exaggerated movements, use vibration or visual beat indicators, written instructions on board

physical disability

Adapt movements for seated position or limited mobility, focus on upper body or achievable movements, ensure wheelchair access

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development, discussion and debate skills, expressing ideas clearly and persuasively

Maths

Counting in sequences, understanding time signatures, spatial awareness and geometric shapes in formation

Citizenship

Understanding British Values and their application in democratic society, voting systems and fair representation

History

British democratic traditions, development of rights and freedoms, historical examples of tolerance and respect

Music

Understanding beat, rhythm, and musical structure, British composers and cultural heritage

PSHE

Respect for diversity, teamwork and collaboration, personal confidence and self-expression

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position where you can see all students and demonstrate clearly, move around during group work

Observation Focus

Watch for understanding of concepts, creative expression, collaboration quality, and timing accuracy

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with abstract concepts, having conflicts in group work, or unsafe movements

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate all movements clearly and repeatedly, use exaggerated actions for visibility, count aloud consistently

Verbal Cues

•'Show me what democracy looks like!'
•'Feel the beat in your body!'
•'Together on 1, 2, 3!'
•'What would respect look like as a movement?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 10m x 8m clear space for movement, suitable flooring for dance activities

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from obstacles, appropriate for dynamic movement and floor work

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Sound system cables secured and not creating trip hazards
•Music volume at appropriate level - audible but not damaging to hearing
•Corner markers stable and visible, no sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during travel activities in warm-up
•Slips during dynamic movements
•Overexertion during repeated motif practice
•Inappropriate physical contact during partner work

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for movement activities
•Adequate spacing between students during all activities
•Progressive building of movement complexity
•Clear instructions about appropriate touch during respect movements
•Regular water breaks if room temperature high

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during travel and performance activities
•Monitor closely during partner work and group creation time
•Check for signs of fatigue during repeated practice

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid, adapt activities if needed