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Lesson 9 of 12
  • Year 8

Mini Olympic opening ceremony

I can plan for and participate in an opening ceremony for a mini Olympic event.

Lesson 9 of 12
New
New
  • Year 8

Mini Olympic opening ceremony

I can plan for and participate in an opening ceremony for a mini Olympic event.

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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: fluent and controlled movement adds value to the aesthetic performance of a set choreographed dance.
  2. Think: using choreography and organising skills to produce a dance adds to the overall aesthetic of the ceremony.
  3. Feel: involvement in a collective celebration can help manage multiple emotions such as excitement, anxiety and joy.
  4. Connect: respecting and recognising the efforts of all participants, including opponents, makes everyone feel valued.

Keywords

  • Ceremony - a formal event celebrating the start of an event, including rituals and traditions to mark the occasion

  • Parade - the procession where athletes march together, showcasing their team spirit and enthusiasm for the event

  • Celebration - the festive atmosphere and activities that mark the beginning of an event, focusing on enjoyment and fun

Common misconception

A belief that our identity is fixed and permanent.

Who we are and how that is expressed can be changed, and is likely to shift throughout our life. We can communicate who we are through our expression, how we dress, how we speak and by taking part in activities that are important to us.


To help you plan your year 8 physical education lesson on: Mini Olympic opening ceremony, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

This lesson fits beautifully with the dance unit.
Teacher tip

Equipment

music; props (various sporting equipment for the dance); team flags (optional); 1 mat per team as their ‘base’ and audience seat

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.
How is identity understood?

fixed
not important
Correct answer: changes

Q2.
What is a motif?

Correct answer: a repeatable pattern
a dance
a stimulus

Q3.
What does being reliable mean?

forgetful
Correct answer: dependable
pretending

Q4.
What can being part of a team build?

Correct answer: belonging
anger
resentment

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
What type of action is used in a parade?

Correct answer: marching
jumping
turning

Q2.
What pathway do athletes usually follow at an opening ceremony?

Correct answer: circular
linear
random

Q3.
Where is the audience located at an opening ceremony?

in the centre
along one side
Correct answer: around the outside

Q4.
How can we show our feelings?

you can't
Correct answer: facial expressions
your clothing