New
New
Year 4

Sword dancing: Scotland

I can coordinate a range of actions whilst travelling in different directions.

New
New
Year 4

Sword dancing: Scotland

I can coordinate a range of actions whilst travelling in different directions.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: responding to different styles of music improves our musicality.
  2. Move: performing actions and avoiding the swords requires control, agility and balance.
  3. Think: being able to coordinate different body parts requires concentration.
  4. Feel: avoiding the ‘swords’ requires resilience.
  5. Connect: following instructions is an example of cooperation.

Keywords

  • Direction - the course of travel

  • Posture - how the body is held

  • Coordination - moving two (or more) body parts at the same time

Common misconception

You need to look at the floor to avoid the swords.

If working carefully, it is possible to remember where the 'sword' markings are and avoid them. This skill takes a great deal of practice.


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

Orientate all pupils in the same direction to begin with to reduce confusion regarding the different directions.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Suggested music, masking tape or electrical tape.

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.
Which of the following words mean ‘to move forward’?

Correct answer: advance
retreat
evade

Q2.
Which of the following is not a team working skill?

listening
cooperating
Correct answer: arguing

Q3.
When do you demonstrate resilience?

Correct answer: when it’s hard
when it’s easy
when you’re waiting

Q4.
Which of the following do not demonstrate musicality?

rhythm
Correct answer: volume
tempo

Assessment exit quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
Which UK country is known for its Sword Dancing?

Correct answer: Scotland
Wales
Ireland

Q2.
What shape do the swords create when placed on the floor?

a square
Correct answer: a cross
a line

Q3.
What skill does coordinating different body parts when dancing use?

Correct answer: concentration
responsibility
reliability

Q4.
What instrument is usually associated with Sword Dancing?

tambourine
drums
Correct answer: bagpipes

Additional material

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