New
New
Year 6

Space: formations

I can perform actions using different formations with accuracy and control.

New
New
Year 6

Space: formations

I can perform actions using different formations with accuracy and control.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: controlling our actions and placement enables our formations to be clear and effective.
  2. Think: applying direction, level, size and action to a formation involves problem solving.
  3. Feel: performing actions in order whilst in the correction formation requires responsibility to the other group members.
  4. Connect: working together to create and perform in specific formations requires collaboration.

Keywords

  • Formation - how performers are arranged

  • Chaos - a state of disorder, without pattern

  • Random - unpredictable, not as expected

Common misconception

Being in a linear formation means make a line one behind the other.

Whilst this is an example of a linear formation, it could also involve the pupils being side by side or in a diagonal line. Linear formations can also meet or intercept to make patterns such as a 'V' or 'X' formation.


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

Use floor markers or diagrams to help pupils to visualise the formations clearly.
Teacher tip

Equipment

additional materials: suggested music

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
What is another phrase to describe being near others?

adjoining
contact
Correct answer: close proximity

Q2.
What can being 'far apart' suggest in a dance?

connection
unison
Correct answer: isolation

Q3.
What skill should be demonstrated when watching work respectfully?

Correct answer: being attentive
being talkative
being silent

Q4.
What do communication, trust and equality enable us to do?

Correct answer: collaborate effectively
balance better
try harder

Assessment exit quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
What shape does a ‘linear formation’ refer to?

circle
block
Correct answer: line

Q2.
What skill would changing the direction, level or size of an action use?

negotiation
Correct answer: problem solving
responsibility

Q3.
What else do we need to make our work effective other than being ‘responsible’ in our performance?

aesthetic
Correct answer: safe
dynamic

Q4.
Which of the following does not involve collaboration?

Correct answer: copying actions
sharing ideas
discussing and reviewing

Additional material

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