Gymnastics - National Curriculum Programme

Lesson length: 60 minutes
Age: Nursery / Reception (3–5 years)

1. Warm-up (10 mins)

• Simple movement games
• Travel in different ways (walk, hop, crawl, skip)
• Emphasise space awareness

2. Skill Development (15 mins)

• Introduce weekly focus skills
• Use demonstrations and child exploration

3. Main Activity / Stations (25 mins)

• 3–4 simple apparatus or floor stations
• Children rotate every 5–7 minutes

4. Cool-down & Reflection (10 mins)

• Stretching, breathing
• Ask children to talk about what they did

Focus: Safety & space

• Moving safely in the hall
• Stopping on command
• Shapes: star, tuck, straight

Focus: Movement types

• Walk, run, jump, hop, crawl
• Travel high and low
• Use floor lines and mats

Focus: Still shapes

• One-foot balance
• Wide/narrow shapes
• Balance on mats and low benches

Focus: Moving balances

• Walk along benches
• Step over obstacles
• Balance while carrying a beanbag

Focus: Safe landings

• Two-foot take-off and landing
• Jump from low heights
• Emphasise bent knees & quiet feet

Focus: Floor work

• Egg roll
• Log roll
• Introduce teddy bear roll (supported)

Focus: Body control

• Tuck, star, straight, pike
• Making shapes on floor & apparatus
• Hold shapes for 3–5 seconds

Focus: Exploring space

• High, medium, low movements
• Straight, curved, zig-zag pathways
• Use hoops, cones, benches

Focus: Simple sequences

• Travel → balance → jump
• Encourage children to choose movements
• Work individually or in pairs

Focus: Confidence & independence

• Bench walk → jump → roll
• Crawl under/over obstacles
• Emphasise safe use of equipment

Focus: Creativity

• Choose 3 movements
• Perform to a partner or small group
• Use music to support rhythm

Focus: Demonstration & enjoyment

• Revisit favourite activities
• Small group performances
• Teacher observation and praise

Observe children for:

• Confidence in movement
• Ability to balance and travel
• Awareness of space and others
• Willingness to try new movement 

Challenge:

• Hold balances longer
• Add a jump or roll
• Perform on narrower equipment

Learning Focus:

• Try straight and star jumps.
• Discover basic shapes: small, wide and long.

Lesson Outline:
Warm-up (10 mins):

• Light running around the space, lifting knees, followed by gentle stretches.
• Shape response game where children create a shape called out by the teacher.

Main Activities (40 mins):

• Practice straight and star jumps with an emphasis on controlled, soft landings.
• Investigate making small, wide and long shapes on mats and the floor.
• Group task using floor shapes to jump between (shape hopscotch).

Cool-down (10 mins):

• Slow stretching and calm breathing.
• Class discussion about favourite shapes.

Assessment:

• Observe jumping control and ability to identify shapes.

Learning Focus:

• Perform a sideways roll while keeping the body straight.
• Walk forward confidently along low equipment.

Lesson Outline:
Warm-up:

• Animal movements such as bear and crab walks.
• Whole-body stretching.

Main Activities:

• Side rolls on mats, encouraging straight body alignment.
• Forward walking along benches or low apparatus with safety awareness.
• Combine rolling and walking into a simple sequence.

Cool-down:

• Stretching followed by a mirror movement activity in pairs.

Assessment:

• Confidence and smoothness in rolling and travelling.

Learning Focus:

• Attempt tuck jumps with safe landings.
• Rock smoothly in pike and straddle shapes.

Lesson Outline:
Warm-up:

• Jumping games and dynamic stretches.

Main Activities:

• Tuck jump practice on mats.
• Rocking forwards and backwards in pike and straddle positions.
• Small challenges linking rocking and jumping actions.

Cool-down:

• Floor stretches and reflective talk.

Assessment:

• Control in landings and ability to hold rocking shapes.

Learning Focus:

• Try a variety of balances using equipment 
• Maintain a balance for three seconds.

Lesson Outline:
Warm-up:

• Balance games such as freezing in a pose when music stops.

Main Activities:

• Balancing on benches and boxes using different body positions.
• Timed balance holds.
• Added challenges using arm positions or tiptoes.

Cool-down:

• Gentle stretching and relaxation breathing.

Assessment:

• Stability and balance control.

Learning Focus:

• Work cooperatively with a partner during rolls 
• Connect three different jumps.

Lesson Outline:
Warm-up:

• Partner mirroring activities.

Main Activities:

• Partner tuck rolls using rocking and hand contact.
• Practise a jump sequence: straight, star, tuck.
• Encourage communication between partners.

Cool-down:

• Paired stretches performed seated.

Assessment:

• Safe cooperation and ability to link jumps.

Learning Focus:

• Progress towards a teddy bear roll 
• Experience different jumping actions.

Lesson Outline:
Warm-up:

• Jump and landing drills and gentle rolling.

Main Activities:

• Introduction to teddy bear roll technique.
• Jumping tasks including onto targets, off equipment, sideways and over obstacles.

Cool-down:

• Stretching and sharing favourite jumps.

Assessment:

• Controlled risk-taking and coordination.

Learning Focus:

• Recognise and use body tension 
• Try half-turn jumps.
• Combine travelling, balancing and jumping.

Lesson Outline:
Warm-up:

• Tense-and-relax body exercises.

Main Activities:

• Practise half-turn jumps.
• Create short sequences linking travel, balance and jump actions.

Cool-down:

• Stretching with calm breathing.

Assessment:

• Quality of movement links and jump control.

Learning Focus:

• Recall and perform three stretches 
• Improve focus during balance work.

Lesson Outline:
Warm-up:

• Light movement and stretching.

Main Activities:

• Children demonstrate remembered stretches.
• Balance challenges holding positions for five seconds.
• Mini-circuits combining balance, stretch and travel.

Cool-down:

• Breathing exercises and partner discussion.

Assessment:

• Stretch recall and improved balance control.

Learning Focus:

• Perform a complete stretch routine 
• Move cooperatively with a partner.

Lesson Outline:
Warm-up:

• Stretch routine practice and partner movement games.

Main Activities:

• Paired travelling across mats or equipment using different formations.
• Create simple partner movement patterns.

Cool-down:

• Stretching and teamwork reflection.

Assessment:

• Coordination and cooperation skills.

Learning Focus:

• Jump while catching an object. 
• Increase confidence in rolling along equipment.

Lesson Outline:
Warm-up:

• Throwing and catching activities.

Main Activities:

• Jump-and-catch challenges using beanbags.
• Rolling along apparatus with controlled movement.
• Combine jumping and rolling actions.

Cool-down:

• Stretching and relaxation breathing.

Assessment:

• Hand–eye coordination and rolling confidence.

Learning Focus:

• Build a short movement sequence using key skills 

Lesson Outline:
Warm-up:

• Dynamic stretches and travelling movements.

Main Activities:

• Design a four-part sequence including a roll, balance, travel and jump.
• Practise individually or in small groups.

Cool-down:

• Stretching and discussion of creative choices.

Assessment:

• Flow, creativity and skill accuracy.

Learning Focus:

• Perform a completed sequence 
• Develop basic strength and control.

Lesson Outline:
Warm-up:

• Whole-body stretches and gentle jumping.

Main Activities:

• Perform sequences to classmates.
• Strength circuit including dish holds, arch lifts, front support holds and rebound tuck jumps.

Cool-down:

• Relaxing stretches and reflection on learning.

Assessment:

• Performance quality, strength control and confidence.

Overview:
This programme gradually builds pupils’ physical skills, confidence and creativity through structured gymnastics activities, supporting progression in line with the UK National Curriculum for Physical Education.

Lesson Length: 1 hour per week

Pupils will:

• Build confidence in fundamental movement skills such as running, jumping, rolling, balancing, throwing, and catching 
• Improve flexibility, strength, coordination, balance, and body control.
• Perform simple movement patterns and sequences.
• Work independently, with partners, and in small groups to develop cooperation and self-confidence.

Learning Focus:
Explore and recognise body shapes used in pencil, side, and egg rolls.

Expected Outcomes:

• Recognise start, roll, and finish positions 
• Perform basic rolls with control and awareness.

Learning Activities:

• Warm-up: Stretching and practising shapes (tuck, star, pike).
• Teacher Input: Demonstration of pencil, side, and egg rolls, focusing on body shape.
• Practice: Rolling activities set up on mats for pupils to rotate through.
• Review: Discuss which shapes helped rolls stay smooth and controlled.

Learning Focus:
Develop a range of jumping and travelling actions.

Expected Outcomes:

• Jump in different directions, over objects, and from apparatus.
• Use hopping, skipping, and jumping confidently.

Learning Activities:

• Warm-up: Travelling actions including hops, skips, and jumps.
• Skill Stations: Jumping challenges using mats, benches, and cones.
• Movement Course: A pathway for hopping, skipping, and jumping.
• Review: Reflect on which movements were most challenging and why.

Learning Focus:
Link balancing shapes with travelling movements, including partner and apparatus work.

Expected Outcomes:

• Hold three balances and connect them using different travelling actions.
• Balance safely with a partner and on equipment.

Learning Activities:

• Warm-up: One-leg balances and seated/standing balance tasks.
• Partner Work: Simple paired balance shapes.
• Apparatus Work: Balancing on benches and mats.
• Sequence Building: Create short routines combining balance and movement.

Learning Focus:
Attempt a forward roll using an incline and understand how the body turns safely.

Expected Outcomes:

• Roll safely down an incline with control.
• Identify key body parts used during the roll.

Learning Activities:

• Warm-up: Rolling activities and stretching.
• Demonstration: Teacher-led incline forward roll.
• Practice: Supervised attempts on an incline.
• Discussion: Identify which muscles helped complete the roll.

Learning Focus:
Develop independence in forward rolling and practise bunny hops.

Expected Outcomes:

• Complete a forward roll with little or no support 
• Safely jump over low equipment using bunny hop technique.

Learning Activities:

• Warm-up: Arm and leg stretches; bunny hops on the spot.
• Rolling Practice: Forward rolls on an incline.
• Jumping Course: Bunny hopping over low benches.
• Reflection: Discuss what helped pupils roll more confidently.

Learning Focus:
Perform a dish-to-arch roll and learn sideways movement patterns.

Expected Outcomes:

• Keep legs and feet together when rolling 
• Perform sidesteps and chassé movements.

Learning Activities:

• Warm-up: Core-strength activities focusing on dish shape.
• Rolling Stations: Dish-to-arch roll practice.
• Movement Practice: Chassé and sidesteps across the space.
• Application: Combine rolls and travelling actions.

Learning Focus:
Connect different jumps and improve rolling technique.

Expected Outcomes:

• Combine straight, tuck, star, and turning jumps smoothly.
• Maintain control during dish-to-arch rolls.

Learning Activities:

• Warm-up: Jumping sequences.
• Jump Circuits: Linking different jump types.
• Rolling Practice: Refining dish-to-arch rolls.
• Review: Identify which jumps linked most effectively.

Learning Focus:
Perform forward rolls independently and work collaboratively in jumping tasks.

Expected Outcomes:

• Complete a forward roll with correct body position 
• Work cooperatively during group jumping activities.

Learning Activities:

• Warm-up: Stretching and jumping games.
• Skill Practice: Independent forward rolls.
• Group Challenge: Jumping sequences using line mats.
• Reflection: Discuss how teamwork supported success.

Learning Focus:
Improve front support strength and turning jump technique.

Expected Outcomes:

• Hold a strong front support position.
• Perform a full turning jump with balance and control.

Learning Activities:

• Warm-up: Core-strength and jump preparation exercises.
• Support Practice: Front support on mats.
• Jump Progression: Half turns leading into full turns.
• Review: Identify areas to improve technique.

Learning Focus:
Create partner sequences using equipment and practise teddy bear rolls.

Expected Outcomes:

• Perform a short partner routine with several linked actions 
• Complete a teddy bear roll safely with a partner.

Learning Activities:

• Warm-up: Partner stretches and balance games.
• Teacher Input: Demonstration of teddy bear roll.
• Practice: Partner rolling and sequence creation.
• Reflection: Discuss what helped movements flow together.

Learning Focus:
Prepare and present a complete gymnastics sequence.

Expected Outcomes:

• Include a roll, balance, travel, and jump in a routine.
• Show control, awareness, and good posture.

Learning Activities:

• Warm-up: Full-body stretches and rolling practice.
• Group Work: Rehearse sequences.
• Assessment: Peer observation and feedback.
• Reflection: Discuss how presentation improves performance.

Learning Focus:
Build confidence through performance and reflection.

Expected Outcomes:

• Perform a sequence including rolling, balancing, travelling, and jumping 
• Show rhythm, control, and confidence.

Learning Activities:

• Warm-up: Rolling and balancing games.
• Obstacle Course: Combine all learned skills.
• Performance: Individual or paired routines.
• Celebration: Review progress and achievements.

Programme Length: 12 weeks
Session Duration: 1 hour per week
Key Stage: KS2 (Year 3)
Curriculum Area: Physical Education – Gymnastics (UK National Curriculum)

Pupils will be supported to:

• Build flexibility, strength, balance, control and coordination
• Perform actions with increasing confidence, accuracy and smoothness
• Combine movements into simple sequences
• Reflect on their work and recognise personal progress
• Cooperate with others and follow safety rules when using equipment

• Maintaining body tension and control
• Safe techniques for rolling and landing
• Quality of balance and posture
• Ability to smoothly connect movements
• Confidence, cooperation and teamwork

• Clear demonstrations of rolls, jumps and balances
• Correct and safe use of mats, benches and slopes
• Sufficient space between equipment and pupils
• Emphasis on soft, controlled landings with bent knees
• Adult assistance provided where needed, especially during rolls

• Warm-up and Stretching: 10 minutes
• Main Activity / Skill Focus: 40 minutes
• Cool-down and Review: 10 minutes

• Recognise and perform five basic stretches
• Begin exploring jumping, balancing and travelling actions

• Standing tall with arm circles
• Straddle sit stretch
• Ankle mobility stretches
• Pike position stretch

• Jumps: straight, star, tuck, half turn and full turn
• Balances using 4, 3, 2 and 1 body parts (solo and with a partner)
• Front support position with feet placed on a bench

• Light stretching and discussion about what gymnastics involves

• Try moving between front and back support
• Develop confidence rolling on a slope

• Front to back support transitions
• Side support movements
• Jumping on, along and off a bench
• Sideways roll
• Teddy bear roll

• Attempt a forward roll using an incline
• Learn how ankles help generate lift in jumps

• Tucked V-sit balance
• Piked V-sit balance
• Forward roll on the floor

• Supported forward roll down an incline
• Independent forward roll on an incline
• Rebound jumps using a springboard

• Join three actions together
• Perform a rock to stand without using hands

• Bunny hops over a bench side to side
• Bunny hops travelling forward
• Bunny hop progressions towards handstand shapes
• Linking three skills from rolling, balancing, jumping or travelling

• Recall and perform the full stretching sequence
• Safely perform and land star jumps

• Whole-class practice of eight stretches with control
• Star jumps from a bench or box top, focusing on safe landings

• Work cooperatively with a partner
• Improve the quality of forward rolls

• Forward rolls on an incline
• Forward rolls on the floor
• Forward roll into a jump
• Partner practice of the previously learned sequence

• Perform appropriate skills at each activity station

• Circuit stations focusing on:
  • Rolling
  • Travelling
  • Jumping

• Explore different ways of travelling with a partner
• Improve control and body shape in rebound jumps

• Travelling station: create a short partner sequence using apparatus
• Jumping station: rebound jumps (straight, tuck, star and half turn)
• Springboard rebound jumps

• Demonstrate controlled landings with balance
• Learn the technique for backward rolls

• Jumping station: star jumps from a box top
• Rolling station: backward rolls down an incline

• Show confidence and control during circuit activities

• Balancing station: partner sequence moving between front and back support
• Front support partner challenge: tapping opposite hands

• Refine and extend gymnastics sequences

• Rock to stand or forward roll (floor or incline)
• Backward roll down an incline
• Bunny hop onto bench or front support with feet on bench
• Travel along a bench
• Three-point balance on bench
• Jump off bench
• Straight, star or tuck jump
• Half or full turn jump

• Create and perform a partner routine with good timing and control

Pupils perform an eight-part sequence including:

• Rock to stand or forward roll
• Backward roll down an incline
• Bunny hop or front support on a bench
• Travel along a bench
• Three-point balance
• Jump off the bench
• Straight, star or tuck jump
• Half or full turning jump

• Peer assessment and self-reflection
• Discussion about progress and improvements across the unit

By the end of the programme, pupils will confidently perform controlled gymnastics routines both individually and with a partner, showing good balance, coordination, teamwork and safe practice.

 Year 4 Gymnastics – 12 Week Programme

Week 1 – Listening, Responding and Trying Their BestLearning intentions

• Follow instructions quickly and safely
• Put maximum effort into each activity

Session content

• Follow-the-leader warm-up
• Practise a short stretching sequence:
  • Stand tall and circle arms alternately
  • Sit in a straddle position and stretch forwards
  • Gentle ankle mobility stretches
  • Pike stand and reach down
• Rocking movement into standing
• Rolling activities:
  • Forward roll down a slope
  • Forward roll on flat mats
  • Backward roll down a slope
• Apparatus work:
  • Bunny hop to the centre of a bench
  • Travel across a bench
  • Hold a three-point balance on the bench
• Jumping skills:
  1. Straight jump
  2. Star jump
  3. Tuck jump
  4. Half-turn jump
  5. Full-turn jump

  Week 2 – Body Control and Twisting ActionsLearning intentions

• Maintain body tension when turning in the air
• Hold still shapes with control

Activities

• Turning jumps:
  • Half rotation
  • Full rotation
• Rebound jumps focusing on spring and control
• Jumping on and off low equipment
• Static shape work:
  1. Tuck V-sit (hold for 3 seconds)
  2. Pike V-sit (hold for 3 seconds)

• Supporting body weight:
  • Front support with feet on a bench
  • Lift one foot while holding front support
• Introduction to bunny hop into handstand position

Week 3 – Springboard AwarenessLearning intentions

• Use a springboard safely and with confidence
• Combine movements smoothly

Main tasks

• Rebound jumping using a springboard
• Step or jump onto the springboard
• Controlled jump off, showing a clear shape
• Practise rolling down a slope
• Create a short sequence using:
  • One roll
  • One balance
  • One jump or travel action

  Week 4 – Stretching Fluency and Bunny HopsLearning intentions

• Perform the warm-up routine smoothly
• Show consistent bunny hop technique

Warm-up

• Repeat previously learned stretches
• Introduce a pike sitting stretch

Skill focus

• Bunny hop sideways over a bench

Progression

• Sideways bunny hop using one foot

Week 5 – Developing Backward RollsLearning intentions

• Understand correct positioning for a backward roll

Preparation activities

• Front support with feet raised
• Front support with one foot lifted

Main skill

• Backward roll on mats with adult support

Differentiation

• Support: Backward roll down a slope or shoulder stand into roll
• Challenge: Jump → backward roll → jump

Week 6 – Safe Jumping and Headstand BasicsLearning intentions

• Jump and land safely from equipment
• Understand how to create a stable base for a headstand

Activities

• Jump onto a box top
• Rebound jumping along a bench
• Controlled jumps from height
• Practising tucked headstands
• Bunny hop leading into handstand position

Week 7 – Balance, Posture and Confident TravelLearning intentions

• Maintain strong body shapes in balances
• Travel confidently along apparatus

Stations

• Balance challenges using mats and benches
• Tucked headstand practice
• Jumping tasks:
  • Onto equipment
  • Along equipment
  • Off equipment

  Week 8 – Forward Rolls and Cartwheel PreparationLearning intentions

• Improve forward roll technique
• Begin preparing for a cartwheel

Main activity

• Forward roll on flat mats

Progressions

1. Forward roll down a slope with help
2. Forward roll down a slope independently

Supporting skill

• Front support with feet raised and one foot lifted

Week 9 – Creative Travelling and Equipment BalancesLearning intentions

• Use different body parts when travelling
• Balance confidently with hand-held equipment

Activity zones

• Travelling zone:
  • Explore movement using hands, feet and equipment
• Balancing zone:
  • Balance at the end of a bench
  • Travel across the bench
  • Jump off with control

  Week 10 – Linking Rolls and Working as a TeamLearning intentions

• Connect movements smoothly
• Communicate effectively with others

Tasks

• Rolling sequence:
  • Combine forward, backward and sideways rolls with a partner
• Jumping challenge:
  • In small groups, perform five different jumps in a canon sequence

  Week 11 – Performing a Gymnastics SequenceLearning intentions

• Perform a full sequence with confidence

Sequence order

• Backward roll
• Forward roll
• Tucked headstand
• Bench balance
• One-footed bunny hop along the bench
• Controlled jump off the end

Week 12 – Peer Assessment and ImprovementLearning intentions

• Give helpful feedback to a partner
• Improve performance using suggestions

Final performance

1. Backward roll
2. Forward roll
3. Tucked headstand
4. Balance on bench
5. One-footed bunny hop
6. Jump off with control

Curriculum Focus (PE – Key Stage 2):

• Build strength, flexibility, balance and coordination
• Apply technique and control in movement
• Combine actions to create and perform sequences

Learning Aim:

• By the end of the lesson, pupils will be able to recall and perform six different stretches independently

Movement Focus:

• Arm rotations from a tall standing position
• Alternating arm circles
• Wide-leg seated stretch reaching forwards
• Controlled ankle mobility stretches
• Standing pike stretch reaching towards the floor
• Wrist flexibility and preparation exercises

Learning Aims:

• To demonstrate safe and effective take-off and landing positions
• To recognise how core muscles support a V-sit shape

Movement Focus:

• Jumps with half and full turns
• Continuous rebound jumps
• Jumping on and off low apparatus
• Tucked V-sit hold
• Straight-leg (piked) V-sit hold

Learning Aims:

• To apply correct technique when using a springboard
• To transition smoothly between support positions

Movement Focus:

• Moving from front support to rear support
• Lateral weight transfer in support positions
• Controlled rebound actions on the springboard
• Safe mounting and dismounting from the springboard, finishing in a clear body shape

Learning Aim:

• To understand correct head and hand placement for safe inverted balances

Movement Focus:

• Tucked headstand balance
• Progressing from tucked to extended body positions

Learning Aims:

• To independently perform a small jump onto low equipment
• To develop cartwheel technique with support

Movement Focus:

• Two-footed jumps over a bench
• Single-leg jumping actions over a bench
• Cartwheel actions using a bench for guidance
• Supported cartwheels performed on the floor

Learning Aim:

• To link a balance, a rolling action and a jump into a short sequence

Movement Focus:

• Jump → backward roll → balance
  or
• Balance → backward roll → jump

Learning Aims:

• To perform a forward roll leading directly into a jump
• To refine cartwheel technique

Activity Stations:

Rolling Focus:

• Forward rolls finishing in different seated shapes
• Forward rolls connected to a variety of jumps
• Backward rolls ending in controlled standing shapes
• Backward rolls linked to jumps

Travelling Focus:

• Cartwheel practice with emphasis on hand and foot placement

Learning Aims:

• To complete a backward roll finishing in a straddle position
• To improve strength and body tension during wall-supported handstands

Movement Focus:

• Forward rolls finishing in different shapes
• Rolls flowing into jump actions
• Backward rolls to standing with control
• Backward rolls into jumps
• Handstands with feet supported against a wall

Learning Aims:

• To explore at least three different ways of travelling using small equipment
• To attempt a forward roll along raised apparatus

Activity Stations:

Travelling Focus:

• Skipping while moving a ribbon in circular patterns
• Hopping while controlling a bouncing ball
• Exploring movement pathways using handheld equipment

Rolling Focus:

• Forward roll performed along the top of a box

Learning Aim:

• To identify individual strengths and choose appropriate skills for a sequence

Movement Focus:

• Approach run and jump from a springboard, landing in a chosen shape
• Walking to a low vault and performing a squat or straddle action

Learning Aim:

• To recall and perform a full gymnastics sequence with confidence

Sequence Structure:

• A rolling action on the floor
• Travelling across or over a bench
• A controlled jump and landing
• A held balance on the floor
• A chosen vault action

Learning Aims:

• To confidently remember and perform a complete sequence
• To apply techniques that improve the quality of performance

Performance Focus:

• Smooth linking of movements
• Clear body shapes
• Controlled landings
• Confident presentation

Final Sequence:

• Floor roll
• Bench travel
• Jump and land
• Balance
• Selected vault

Curriculum Focus (PE – Key Stage 2):

• Build strength, flexibility, balance and coordination
• Apply technique and control in movement
• Combine actions to create and perform sequences

Learning Aim:

• By the end of the lesson, pupils will be able to recall and perform six different stretches independently

Movement Focus:

• Arm rotations from a tall standing position
• Alternating arm circles
• Wide-leg seated stretch reaching forwards
• Controlled ankle mobility stretches
• Standing pike stretch reaching towards the floor
• Wrist flexibility and preparation exercises

Learning Aims:

• To demonstrate safe and effective take-off and landing positions
• To recognise how core muscles support a V-sit shape

Movement Focus:

• Jumps with half and full turns
• Continuous rebound jumps
• Jumping on and off low apparatus
• Tucked V-sit hold
• Straight-leg (piked) V-sit hold

Learning Aims:

• To apply correct technique when using a springboard
• To transition smoothly between support positions

Movement Focus:

• Moving from front support to rear support
• Lateral weight transfer in support positions
• Controlled rebound actions on the springboard
• Safe mounting and dismounting from the springboard, finishing in a clear body shape

Learning Aim:

• To understand correct head and hand placement for safe inverted balances

Movement Focus:

• Tucked headstand balance
• Progressing from tucked to extended body positions

Learning Aims:

• To independently perform a small jump onto low equipment
• To develop cartwheel technique with support

Movement Focus:

• Two-footed jumps over a bench
• Single-leg jumping actions over a bench
• Cartwheel actions using a bench for guidance
• Supported cartwheels performed on the floor

Learning Aim:

• To link a balance, a rolling action and a jump into a short sequence

Movement Focus:

• Jump → backward roll → balance
  or
• Balance → backward roll → jump

Learning Aims:

• To perform a forward roll leading directly into a jump
• To refine cartwheel technique

Activity Stations:

Rolling Focus:

• Forward rolls finishing in different seated shapes
• Forward rolls connected to a variety of jumps
• Backward rolls ending in controlled standing shapes
• Backward rolls linked to jumps

Travelling Focus:

• Cartwheel practice with emphasis on hand and foot placement

Learning Aims:

• To complete a backward roll finishing in a straddle position
• To improve strength and body tension during wall-supported handstands

Movement Focus:

• Forward rolls finishing in different shapes
• Rolls flowing into jump actions
• Backward rolls to standing with control
• Backward rolls into jumps
• Handstands with feet supported against a wall

Learning Aims:

• To explore at least three different ways of travelling using small equipment
• To attempt a forward roll along raised apparatus

Activity Stations:

Travelling Focus:

• Skipping while moving a ribbon in circular patterns
• Hopping while controlling a bouncing ball
• Exploring movement pathways using handheld equipment

Rolling Focus:

• Forward roll performed along the top of a box

Learning Aim:

• To identify individual strengths and choose appropriate skills for a sequence

Movement Focus:

• Approach run and jump from a springboard, landing in a chosen shape
• Walking to a low vault and performing a squat or straddle action

Learning Aim:

• To recall and perform a full gymnastics sequence with confidence

Sequence Structure:

• A rolling action on the floor
• Travelling across or over a bench
• A controlled jump and landing
• A held balance on the floor
• A chosen vault action

Learning Aims:

• To confidently remember and perform a complete sequence
• To apply techniques that improve the quality of performance

Performance Focus:

• Smooth linking of movements
• Clear body shapes
• Controlled landings
• Confident presentation

Final Sequence:

• Floor roll
• Bench travel
• Jump and land
• Balance
• Selected vault