Choose exam board for KS4 Computer Science (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 English
Choose exam board for KS4 French
Choose exam board for KS4 Geography
Choose exam board for KS4 German
Choose exam board for KS4 History
Choose tier for KS4 Maths
Choose exam board for KS4 Music
Choose exam board for KS4 Physical education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Religious education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Spanish

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can apply different amounts of tension to my body to communicate dynamics effectively.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: applying different amounts of tension to communicate force requires control and strong bodily tension.
      2. Think: deciding when to change roles in a performance involves creative, aesthetic and reflective skills.
      3. Feel: manipulating another person involves care and responsibility for their safety.
      4. Connect: contact work and reacting to another person’s actions clearly demonstrates collaborative skills.

      Keywords

      • Dynamics: - the speed and force of an action

      • Force - the degree of effort that is applied to an action

      • Tension - stretched, taut, tight

      Common misconception

      Trying to move another person means you do so as forcefully as you can.

      By starting gently, a person is able to judge the amount of effort that is likely be be required to attempt to move a solid object such as a sculpture made of stone.

      Teacher tip

      Showing an excerpt of a string puppet being manipulated may benefit pupils with little prior experience of this form of entertainment.

      Equipment

      additional materials: suggested music, 30+ feathers (optional)

      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 another phrase for ‘linear formation’?

      curved line
      zigzag
      Correct answer: straight line

      Q2.
      What skill would be used if a choreographer decided to change the speed or force of an action?

      good timing
      Correct answer: problem solving
      dynamic

      Q3.
      How else can we make our work safe other than being ‘responsible’ in our performance?

      aesthetics
      Correct answer: effective
      dynamic

      Q4.
      Which of the following involves collaboration?

      copying ideas
      Correct answer: sharing ideas
      withholding ideas

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What type of force should you use when manipulating another person to create actions?

      minimum
      maximum
      Correct answer: appropriate and safe

      Q2.
      Who should decide when to change roles?

      Correct answer: the choreographer(s)
      the teacher
      the audience

      Q3.
      What are we responsible for when manipulating another person?

      their timing
      their enjoyment
      Correct answer: their safety

      Q4.
      What skills does reacting to another person’s actions demonstrate?

      choreographic skills
      Correct answer: collaborative skills
      creativity

      To help you plan your 6 physical education lesson on: Dynamics: force, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...