New
New
Year 6

Introduce the STEP principle focusing on space

I can explain the STEP principle and why space is important in an activity.

New
New
Year 6

Introduce the STEP principle focusing on space

I can explain the STEP principle and why space is important in an activity.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: in smaller spaces it’s harder to avoid defenders, so we need to look up and use good speed and agility.
  2. Think: we have to ensure the space we work in is not too big or too small, otherwise the game will not be effective.
  3. Feel: taking responsibility for each pupil feeling involved in the activity shows empathy.
  4. Connect: communicating within our teams to evaluate the space required for a game demonstrates that we can lead others.

Keywords

  • Space - the area where the game is played and an open area where defenders and other players are not standing

  • Game - an activity or sport in which people compete with each other according to agreed rules

  • Defending - the player or person responsible for preventing the opposition (attackers) from scoring

Common misconception

Pupils believe that more space always makes an activity better or more challenging.

In reality, too much space can make games too easy or boring because pupils don’t have to use skills like dodging, teamwork or quick thinking to avoid others.


To help you plan your year 6 physical education lesson on: Introduce the STEP principle focusing on space, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Ensure pupils have the opportunity to trial activities in different spaces so they can experience first hand the impact of changing the space.
Teacher tip

Equipment

30+ cones, bibs, additional resources: leading an activity activity cards.

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.
As a leader, how should you communicate with your team?

loudly
Correct answer: clearly
quietly

Q2.
What type of communication are facial expressions?

verbal
funny
Correct answer: non-verbal

Q3.
What do you need to do to be an effective leader and support your team?

Correct answer: communicate tactics
work alone
ignore others' ideas

Q4.
Why is clear communication an important leadership skill?

you'll always win
Correct answer: it improves teamwork
it improves independence

Assessment exit quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
What word describes the changeable area where a game is played?

Correct Answer: space

Q2.
What may happen to an activity if you use too much space?

it gets better
Correct answer: it becomes boring
nothing

Q3.
How can you and your team effectively evaluate how much space an activity will need?

work independently
not changing it
Correct answer: communicating together

Q4.
What are you showing an understanding of when you adapt an area to make an activity work better?

Correct answer: importance of space
important ball skills
importance of time

Additional material

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