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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can move on, off, and around the apparatus safely.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: moving on, off, and around a variety of apparatus safely requires control while trying a range of ideas.
      2. Move: jumping off the apparatus carefully ensures everyone is safe.
      3. Think: moving on the apparatus safely requires us to take our time and be aware of others around us.
      4. Connect: ensuring we work safely around each other on the apparatus shows empathy.
      5. Feel: trying movements on a variety of apparatus shows self-belief.

      Keywords

      • Apparatus - equipment made for a particular task

      • Safe - actions we take to prevent ourselves and others from harm

      • Landing - absorbing the force of a jump so we can stand upright

      Common misconception

      Pupils queue for their favourite piece of apparatus. After a jump, pupils don't hold the landing position for long enough. Pupils jump from wall bars or climbing frames.

      Encourage pupils to use all of the apparatus and find ways to enter and exit the apparatus rather than waiting in a queue. Tell pupils to 'land and stand' after a jump and hold still for 2 seconds. Tell pupils they can only jump from a flat surface.

      Teacher tip

      The equipment list is for example only; adapt it to whatever you have in your setting. Arrange apparatus so that there are plenty of entry and exit points. Arrange mats where pupils jump from height. Appoint 2-3 'safety officers' to check that apparatus and mats remain in the correct places.

      Equipment

      mats, benches, gymnastic tables, tambourine, climbing frames, or wall bars

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - physical activity

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What is it called when we move with our bodies close to the surface?

      Correct answer: moving low
      moving high
      moving slow

      Q2.
      What do we call travelling from one place to another?

      Correct answer: a movement
      a balance
      a jump

      Q3.
      What is apparatus?

      food
      Correct answer: equipment
      an animal

      Q4.
      Why is it important to keep each other safe?

      Correct answer: nobody gets hurt
      nobody gets cold
      nobody gets hungry

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What is the final part of a jump called?

      the ending
      Correct answer: the landing
      stopping

      Q2.
      What do we call the large equipment used in gymnastics?

      Correct Answer: apparatus

      Q3.
      What should you do before jumping off the apparatus?

      Check the time.
      Check behind you.
      Correct answer: Check the landing area.

      Q4.
      What does working safely around each other on the apparatus show?

      Correct answer: empathy
      self-belief
      honesty

      To help you plan your 1 physical education lesson on: Apparatus, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...