Lesson 1 - British Values in Dance
British Values in Creative Dance
•Year 7
•Dance
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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
Position centrally for clear audio throughout space
Alternative: Portable Bluetooth speaker, tablet with speaker
Cued and ready to play for warm-up activities
Alternative: Other patriotic British music, classical marches
Prepared for main motif practice with clear beat
Alternative: Other recognizable British film themes
Questions prepared on cards or displayed digitally
Alternative: Create own based on curriculum requirements
Clearly visible in each corner of activity space
Alternative: Coloured cones, laminated letters, floor tape
Positioned where all students can see clearly
Alternative: Flipchart paper, digital whiteboard, tablets
Key Vocabulary
The fundamental principles that underpin British society: Democracy, Rule of Law, Individual Liberty, Mutual Respect, and Tolerance
A system where people have a say in decisions that affect them
Everyone follows the same rules and laws, fairly applied to all
Freedom to make your own choices within the law
Treating others with consideration and valuing their opinions
Accepting and respecting differences in others
A short sequence of movements that can be repeated and developed
Performing exactly the same movements at exactly the same time
The art of creating and arranging dance movements
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
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