Free Mini-Course:  

• Introduction and Course Aims

• The role of dance in the primary school National Curriculum

This is an introduction to the full course, designed to build confidence and offer practical strategies for teaching dance in primary schools.

In this mini-course, you’ll meet Fiona Ellis, an experienced PE and dance educator with a passion for creating inclusive and engaging learning environments. Fiona shares her background and explains the role of dance within the primary school National Curriculum, highlighting its value as both a form of creative expression and physical activity.

Taking the full course: 

• Learn from Fiona Ellis, an experienced PE and dance educator, as she shares practical strategies to make dance engaging and enjoyable for all children.

• Gain confidence in planning and delivering creative, inclusive dance lessons aligned with the National Curriculum.

• Explore how to use themes, stimuli, and child-led creativity to inspire choreography and build expressive skills.

• Understand the progression of dance across Key Stages 1 and 2, from basic movements to more advanced skills, choreography, and performance.

• Learn behaviour management strategies, positive reinforcement techniques, and tips for creating a supportive and safe learning environment.

• Find guidance on selecting suitable music, involving pupils in music choices, and making dance lessons fun and meaningful.

• This CIMSPA-endorsed course includes: 3 Modules, 15 Units, 15 Videos, 3.5 Learning Hours, 11 Resources and 14 mini-quizzes 

Module 1 - Approaching Primary Dance

Unit 1: Introduction and Course Aims

Unit 2: Starting Points

Unit 3: Creativity

Unit 4: Pillars of Dance

This module introduces Fiona Ellis, an experienced PE and dance educator passionate about creating inclusive and engaging learning environments. It explores the importance of dance within the primary school curriculum as both a creative and physical activity. Teachers will gain practical strategies for delivering engaging lessons, focusing on enthusiasm, creativity, and the use of themes and stimuli to inspire choreography. The module also addresses common challenges such as vague guidance and lack of confidence, providing tips to help teachers feel equipped to teach dance without needing to be a skilled dancer.

Module 2: Dance Content and Structures

Unit 1: Primary Dance Expectations and Progression

Unit 2: Preparation and Planning

Unit 3: Delivery

Unit 4: Dance Games and Activities

Unit 5: Performance, Evaluation and Review

Unit 6: Assessment

This module explores how dance skills develop throughout primary education, from basic movements in Key Stage 1 to more complex choreography and performance in Key Stage 2. Teachers will learn how to structure lessons around themes and stimuli, guiding pupils through creative exploration towards a final performance. It also covers formative and summative assessment techniques, including practical checklists, to monitor progress, encourage self-evaluation, and ensure continuous improvement.

Module 3: Ensuring Inclusion and Engagement

Unit 1: Dance and the Whole Child

Unit 2: Adaptive Teaching

Unit 3: Behaviour Management

Unit 4: Music

Unit 5: Course Conclusion

This module focuses on making dance lessons inclusive, enjoyable, and well-managed. Teachers will discover how to apply the STEP framework (Space, Task, Equipment, People) to adapt lessons for different abilities and needs, ensuring every child can participate and succeed. Strategies for behaviour management, positive reinforcement, and creating a supportive classroom environment are also covered. Finally, guidance on selecting suitable music and involving pupils in music choices adds an extra layer of creativity and engagement to lessons.