Learning intentions

  • We are learning to use movement to explore specific themes within a play.
  • We are learning to perform scenes from a play by placing the emphasis on movement.
  • We are learning to use movement to explore themes such as conflict or bullying.

What to look for

  • Pupils using a range of movements to convey the themes effectively
  • Pupil reflecting on how well they were able to illustrate the scenes, and how they might improve
  • Pupils employing a range of motifs in their sequences

Learning activities

Focus on the themes of friendship and conflict in Tea in a China Cup. In pairs, the pupils devise movement sequences to illustrate these themes. Their movements might include, for example:

  • pushing;
  • lifting;
  • throwing;
  • catching; and
  • falling.

You could ask them to incorporate their own choice of music.

Introduce them to canon and unison to allow them to perform movement on their own or in time with their partner. They could do this in canon/one after another (creating a domino-like effect).

Put the pupils into groups. Ask them to create movement pieces that illustrate scenes from Our Day Out. For example, they could begin with a tableau relating to the ‘bus scene’ or the ‘zoo scene’, and develop a sequence of movements to illustrate that scene. You could incorporate their own choice of music.

Have the pupils work in pairs or in groups. Set them a specific task: to choreograph a sequence of movements to illustrate bullying. These might include a range of motifs, for example:

  • clenched fists; and
  • locking arms.

Again, you could incorporate the pupils’ own choice of music.