Gymnastics Skills Showcase

Subject: PE
Year Group: Year 5
Lesson Number: 6 of 6
Unit: Gymnastics Skills Showcase
Lesson Duration: 45 minutes
Class Size: 25 students

Curriculum Links

This lesson aligns with the National Curriculum for Physical Education in England, specifically:

• Key Stage 2 – PE
  • Develop flexibility, strength, technique, control and balance.
  • Perform dances and gymnastic movements using a range of movement patterns.
  • Evaluate and recognise their own success and others’.

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Lesson Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Perform a gymnastics routine incorporating key skills learnt in previous lessons: balances, rolls, jumps, and transitions.
2. Demonstrate control and fluidity in their movements and sequences.
3. Provide constructive feedback to peers, using key terminology and criteria for success.
4. Celebrate achievements and reflect on progress since lesson one.

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Lesson Structure

1. Warm-Up (7 minutes)

Objective: Prepare the body and mind for the showcase.

• Teacher-Led Dynamic Warm-Up:

  • Jogging/skipping around the hall (1 min)
  • Arm circles and shoulder rolls (1 min)
  • Cat-cow stretch transitioning into cobra stretch (1 min)
  • Partner-assisted hamstring and calf stretches (2 mins)
  • Controlled tuck jumps and star jumps (2 mins)

• Quick Class Discussion:

  • “How do we manage nerves before performing?”
  • “What makes a performance stand out?”

2. Rehearsal & Final Preparation (10 minutes)

Objective: Give students time to make final refinements before performing.

• Pair Work (5 mins):

  • Students run through their routines with partners, offering quick feedback.
  • Encourage students to check for fluid transitions and confident presentation.

• Teacher Rounds (5 mins):

  • Walk around, watching students and providing last-minute coaching points.

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3. Gymnastics Showcase (20 minutes)

Objective: Perform routines with confidence in front of the class, demonstrating progression.

Performance Order & Set-Up (2 mins)

• Students sit in a semi-circle around the performance space.
• The teacher explains the Showcase Etiquette:
  • Watch respectfully
  • Applaud performances
  • Provide supportive feedback

Student Performances (15 mins)

• Groups of 3-4 perform at a time (allowing around 1-1.5 minutes per routine).
• Teacher provides live commentary, highlighting key strengths.

Quick Peer Feedback (3 mins)

• After each performance, 1-2 students:

  • Highlight a strength (“I noticed Sarah had a really strong landing in her jump.”)
  • Suggest an improvement (“Maybe try to extend your arms more in the balances.”)

• Encouraged to use gymnastics vocabulary, e.g., control, extension, transitions.

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4. Reflection & Cool Down (8 minutes)

Objective: Reflect on progress and celebrate achievements.

• Guided Discussion (4 mins):

  • What was your proudest moment in your routine?
  • How has your confidence/ability improved since Lesson 1?
  • What key skill do you want to keep improving?

• Cool Down Routine (4 mins):

  • Gentle stretches – sitting straddle stretch with deep breaths
  • Shoulder and wrist rolls
  • Lying-down full-body stretch

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Assessment & Differentiation

Assessment Methods:

• Teacher Observation – Watching for confidence, control, and execution of skills.
• Peer Feedback – Encouraging constructive and specific responses.
• Self-Reflection Discussion – Allowing students to articulate their own progress.

Differentiation Strategies:

• Support: Students struggling with confidence can perform in smaller groups.
• Challenge: Encourage skilled students to add a flourish (e.g. arm extensions, stronger transitions).
• Accessibility: Adapt movements for different physical abilities, ensuring inclusion.

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Teacher Notes & Equipment

Equipment Needed:

• Soft mats for performances
• Speaker for gentle background music (if appropriate)
• Printed assessment criteria/checklist for peer feedback
• Timer/stopwatch

Teacher Tips:

✔ Ensure an encouraging and positive atmosphere – the focus is on celebrating effort and improvement.
✔ Use praise strategically – highlight growth over the unit, rather than just technical perfection.
✔ Consider inviting a guest audience (e.g. another class, a PE lead) for added motivation.

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Conclusion

This final lesson allows students to showcase their hard work and progress in gymnastics. They will not only develop performance skills but also foster self-confidence and the ability to assess their own and others’ performances constructively. By ensuring a supportive, engaging environment, this lesson will provide a memorable and empowering experience for all students.

🎉 Well Done! The Year 5 Gymnastics Stars Take a Bow! 🎉