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Lesson 1 - Dance & British Values

British Values Dance

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Year 8

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Dance

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Big Question

How can we use dance and movement to express and celebrate the values that unite us as British citizens?

Learning Objectives

To identify and explain all 5 British Values through physical expression
To create imaginative dance actions that represent each British Value
To perform a coordinated 48-64 count motif in unison with precise timing

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate understanding of British Values through creative movement
Students will collaborate effectively to create and perform a structured dance sequence
Students will show improved timing, coordination and performance skills

Equipment & Resources Required

Music Player

Position centrally for equal sound distribution

Alternative: Bluetooth speaker, laptop with speakers

Cards

4 sets

Display prominently at front of room for reference

Alternative: Printed posters, PowerPoint presentation, whiteboard

Land of Hope and Glory Music

1 track

Cued and ready to play for warm-up

Alternative: Any patriotic British music with clear 4/4 beat

James Bond Theme Music

1 track

Cued for main performance section

Alternative: Any dramatic music with strong, clear beat

Quiz Questions

1 set (10-15 questions)

Prepared in advance with clear, age-appropriate questions

Alternative: Interactive quiz app, verbal questions

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 everyone has the right to vote and have their voice heard

Rule of Law

Everyone is equal before the law and must follow the same rules

Individual Liberty

The freedom to make your own choices while respecting others' rights

Mutual Respect

Treating others with dignity and valuing their contributions

Tolerance

Accepting and respecting different beliefs, cultures, and ways of life

Motif

A sequence of movements that forms the main theme of a dance

Unison

Performing movements at exactly the same time as others

Choreography

The art of designing and arranging dance movements

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of citizenship and community values
Fundamental movement skills and spatial awareness
Experience following rhythm and beat in music

Current Skills

Creative interpretation of abstract concepts through movement
Collaborative choreography development
Performance timing and unison skills

Next Steps

Extended choreographic sequences with transitions
Performance to audience with confidence
Leadership in directing and teaching others

Milestone Indicators

Confident explanation of British Values

Clear, purposeful movement vocabulary

Consistent timing across 64-count sequence

Key Teaching Points

Connect every movement clearly to its British Value meaning
Maintain energy and enthusiasm throughout to model pride in British identity
Use precise counting and clear demonstrations for timing development
Create inclusive environment where all students can express creativity
Balance individual expression with group unison requirements
Emphasise respectful representation of cultural and religious elements
Build performance confidence through progressive skill development

Common Misconceptions

British Values are only about politics - explain they apply to daily life and relationships
Dance is only for certain types of people - emphasise that movement is universal expression
Unison means everyone must move exactly the same - explain that energy and timing matter more than perfect copying
Some values are more important than others - stress that all five work together
Cultural representations must be stereotypical - teach respectful, authentic approaches
Performance quality only matters for 'talented' students - celebrate effort and meaning over technical perfection

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent movement changes, clear physical boundaries, regular positive reinforcement and feedback

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, focus on expression over technical precision

autism spectrum

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

social emotional

Emphasis on inclusive participation, choice in performance level, supportive group environment

visual impairment

Clear verbal descriptions of all movements, tactile guidance for positioning, audio cues for timing

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of rhythm through hand signals, vibration awareness for musical beat

physical disability

Seated or supported versions of movements, focus on upper body expression, modified spatial requirements

learning difficulties

Simplified language, visual aids for British Values, peer support partnerships

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development, verbal communication, presentation and performance skills

Citizenship

Direct exploration of British Values, democratic processes, respect for diversity and rule of law

History

Understanding of British cultural heritage, development of national values, historical context of democracy

Music

Rhythm and timing, responding to musical phrases, performance with musical accompaniment

PSHE

Personal identity, community cohesion, respect for others, self-confidence and presentation skills

RE

Respectful exploration of different faiths, tolerance and mutual respect between religious communities

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter for optimal view of all students, central position for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for understanding of concepts, quality of movement, group cooperation, respectful participation

Intervention Points

Step in if cultural sensitivity needed, timing becoming unsafe, or students struggling with concepts

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate with full commitment and energy, clearly connect movements to values, model respectful approach to cultural elements

Verbal Cues

•'Feel the strength of your values in your movement!'
•'Move together as one united team!'
•'Show me the pride of being British through your dance!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 15m clear space, suitable for 30 students moving simultaneously

Surface Check

Non-slip, even surface free from obstacles, appropriate for dance movement

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Music equipment positioned safely away from movement area
•Visual aids securely mounted and not obstructing movement
•Corner markers clearly visible and safely positioned

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during energetic movement
•Slips during direction changes
•Cultural sensitivity around religious representations
•Overexertion during extended sequences

Risk Mitigation

•Clear movement boundaries established and maintained
•Progressive build-up from slow to full-speed movement
•Respectful approach to cultural and religious symbols
•Regular checks on student energy levels and breathing

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Monitor for signs of fatigue or overexertion
•Ensure respectful participation in cultural elements

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if any safety concern, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students are safely positioned