A time and a place: formations and transitions
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use transitions to effectively link between different formations.
Key learning points
- Move: successful transitions and formations include judging patterns, orders, spacing and dynamics.
- Move: combining two different elements requires competency in both.
- Think: making choreographic decisions involves evaluating possible choices.
- Feel: sharing opinions and ideas honestly demonstrates integrity.
- Connect: accurate placement in formations requires cooperation from everyone involved.
Keywords
Formations - the arrangement or pattern of a group
Transitions - the process of changing, linking, connecting
Unity - working as one
Common misconception
When performing in a group formation, this should always be in unison.
Unison can be highly effective in clear formations as this also communicates unity and power, but other choreographic relationships such as canon, mirroring or contact work also add interest and are visually exciting to watch.
Teacher tip
Frequent changes of formation add interest to a dance. These can be simple such as separating from one line to two and then back again.
Equipment
Suggested music
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.In dance, how do we describe communicating the dance idea?
Q2.What is ‘question and answer’ in dance?
Q3.In dance, what is meant by ‘appreciation’?
Q4.What might a performer do to embellish an action?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is not a formation?
Q2.What is the primary function of a transition?
Q3.What does the accurate placement within formations require?
Q4.What does ‘integrity’ require?
To help you plan your 9 physical education lesson on: A time and a place: formations and transitions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 physical education lesson on: A time and a place: formations and transitions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 3 physical education lessons from the Dance: the challenge unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.