New
New
Year 4

Gay Gordons: Scotland

I can learn and accurately recall a sequence of actions performed with a partner.

New
New
Year 4

Gay Gordons: Scotland

I can learn and accurately recall a sequence of actions performed with a partner.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: matching and performing actions to the rhythm, tempo and phrasing of the music demonstrates musicality.
  2. Move: performing actions in pairs within a large group successfully requires accurate timings and spacing.
  3. Think: maintaining sufficient space requires problem solving skills.
  4. Feel: learning a set sequence of actions requires resilience.
  5. Connect: working in close contact with a partner means we have to cooperate.

Keywords

  • Side by side - positioned next to another person, shoulder to shoulder

  • Formation - how the performers are arranged

  • Forward - ahead, onward

Common misconception

When travelling around in the circle you should try to catch up with the duet ahead of you.

When travelling around in the circle you should aim to maintain the same distance from the duets in front and behind you.


To help you plan your year 4 physical education lesson on: Gay Gordons: Scotland, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

If pupils are likely to struggle to integrate the half turn into the midway point of the initial travelling actions, this could be converted to - travel forwards for 8 counts, then travel backwards for 8 counts.
Teacher tip

Equipment

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

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following dances is a traditional dance of Scotland?

Correct answer: Sword
Bollywood
Flamenco

Q2.
Where do Sword dancers place the swords?

they hold them
Correct answer: on the floor
against a wall

Q3.
What are we lacking if we give up when something becomes difficult?

Correct answer: resilience
interest
energy

Q4.
What type of music accompanies Sword Dancing?

pop
classical
Correct answer: Scottish traditional

Assessment exit quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
What formation is used for the Gay Gordons?

Correct answer: circle
line
square

Q2.
What word describes performing the same actions at the same time as others?

canon
Correct answer: unison
contact work

Q3.
What skill is used when working with a partner?

Correct answer: cooperation
balance
focus

Q4.
How can you demonstrate resilience?

Correct answer: watch others work
stop working
keep trying

Additional material

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