Lesson 5 - Formation & Performance Skills
Māori Haka Expression
•Year 8
•Dance
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can we create powerful group formations that enhance our Haka performance and demonstrate unity as a tribe?
Learning Objectives
- To create and perform coordinated movement sequences as part of a group
- To demonstrate techniques learned through formation work and transitions
- To develop performance skills including facial expressions and vocal projection
Key Outcomes
- Students will successfully create and transition between four different formations
- Students will perform their complete Haka sequence with confidence and unity
- Students will demonstrate improved group coordination and performance skills
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed to group leaders before formation work begins
Alternative: Wooden blocks, tambourines, or hands for clapping
Pharrell 'Happy' queued up, volume tested for hall size
Alternative: Smartphone with speaker, tablet with Bluetooth speaker
Positioned for optimal viewing of performance area
Alternative: Smartphone on tripod, multiple devices for different angles
Mark formation positions and performance boundaries
Alternative: Sports bibs, chalk marks on floor
Key Vocabulary
An arranged pattern or shape made by a group of performers
Smooth movement from one position or formation to another
A complete sequence of movements performed together as a unit
Presenting the dance to an audience with confidence and projection
The skill and method of performing movements correctly and effectively
Working together as one cohesive group with shared timing and energy
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic Haka movements and chants from previous lessons
- Understanding of rhythm and beat in dance
- Experience working in small groups
- Knowledge of cultural significance of Haka
Current Skills
- Formation creation and transitions
- Group coordination and timing
- Performance projection and facial expressions
- Complete sequence integration
Next Steps
- Advanced choreographic techniques
- Leadership in group performances
- Creating original Haka variations
- Cultural research and presentation skills
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Formation transitions must take exactly 8 counts to develop rhythm and precision
- Group unity is more important than individual perfection in movements
- Cultural respect must be maintained throughout all Haka elements and expressions
- Performance projection requires confidence building and supportive atmosphere
- Smooth transitions between unison and group work require clear signals and practice
- Feedback should be specific and constructive to support learning progression
- Safety awareness during formation changes prevents collisions and injuries
Common Misconceptions
- Formation work is just about making shapes - actually requires timing, rhythm and group coordination
- Scary faces should be silly or funny - they represent strength and cultural significance
- Faster transitions are better - 8-count timing develops rhythm and control
- Individual skill is most important - group unity and cooperation are the focus
- Haka is just about being loud - requires technique, respect and cultural understanding
- Competition means being better than others - it's about showing your best effort and learning
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter practice segments, varied activities, clear physical boundaries and expectations
dyspraxia
- Simplified formation shapes, extra practice time for transitions, visual and verbal cues combined
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual formation cards, quiet space available for breaks
visual impairment
- Use tactile formation markers, verbal descriptions of spacing, buddy system for positioning guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual counting signals, vibration-based rhythm awareness, clear hand signals for formation changes
physical disability
- Modified formations allowing wheelchair access, seated performance elements, adapted movement ranges
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Geometric shapes in formations, counting 8-beat transitions, spatial awareness and angles
Drama
Performance skills, facial expressions, projection and stage presence
Geography
New Zealand location, Maori tribal territories, cultural mapping
History
Maori culture and traditions, significance of Haka in New Zealand society
Music
Rhythm and beat in movement, tempo changes, percussion use and musical structure
PSHE
Cultural respect and understanding, teamwork, self-confidence and personal expression
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between groups during formation work, central position for demonstrations and music control
Observation Focus
Watch for formation precision, group cooperation, cultural respect, and safety spacing
Intervention Points
Step in if formations become unsafe, groups struggle with cooperation, or cultural elements become inappropriate
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: All formations clearly showing spacing and timing, warrior expressions with cultural respect, smooth transitions with rhythm awareness
Verbal Cues
- •'Warriors move as one!'
- •'Find your formation power!'
- •'Show your tribal strength!'
- •'8 counts - make them count!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m clear space for formation work and tribal battles
Surface Check
Non-slip surface essential, clear of any obstacles or equipment
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Percussion instruments checked for no sharp edges or loose parts
- •Video equipment positioned safely away from movement areas
- •Cones and markers stable and visible
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during formation transitions
- •Falls during quick grouping activities
- •Overexertion during energetic sequences
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for all group work
- •Adequate spacing maintained between groups throughout
- •Gradual build-up of intensity with proper warm-up
- •Cultural sensitivity maintained in all Haka elements
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all groups during formation work
- •Monitor formation transitions for safe spacing
- •Observe energy levels and provide rest breaks if needed
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, clear space for emergency access if required