Dance/PE: Over and under

During Key Stage 2, children should be aiming to extend their combinations of complex skills, linking in transitional dance elements to extend the simple sequences to longer, more involved routines. They can achieve this by being able to identify how certain shapes and basic skills form the building blocks of more complex agilities, and develop an awareness of how these blocks can be used to progress from simple sequences to more advanced routines. In doing so, children should be encouraged to form an appreciation of their audience when demonstrating their work.

The following activities will help the children construct and execute sequences both individually and with a partner. Children will also be able to compose sequences to music and utilise components from dance topics to fill out their routines.

Sequences can be adapted to different apparatus, and group displays can be performed on a number of different apparatus simultaneously. In planning a sequence, children will be invited to design simple apparatus layouts and suggest ways in which to improve the set-up based on the task. These activities will also lead on to children being able to design their own game and set of instructions based on the space and resources available, which other groups in the class may be able to try.

Ages 7-9

Treasure island