Venus
Introducing KS2 students to Venus, Gustav Holst’s serene and shimmering movement from The Planets suite, with free classroom resources including a video activity, lesson plans, and a quiz.
This is part of a Key Stage two series on Gustav Holst’s seven-part suite. If you’re new to Holst, read the Introduction first.
Quick Overview
In this resource on the second movement, Venus, you’ll find:
A classroom activity video showing students how to follow Venus’ calm, rising and falling melodies with gentle hand movements.
A video of London Symphony Orchestra performing Venus at the Barbican to provide context.
Lesson materials to help you plan.
A quiz and word search to test student knowledge after the activity.
To Get Started
- Suggested teaching duration: 40 minutes
(video activity + quiz) - Key stage: KS2
- What you’ll need:
– Screen (to play video)
– Unpitched percussion instruments
– Tuned percussion (optional)
– Paper and art materials
– Space for movement
Lesson with Rachel Leach
Run-time: 6 minutes
Discover how Holst’s Venus, the Bringer of Peace inspires calm through interactive listening and creative activities that explore melody, movement, and mood.
Listening focus:
- How does the melody move?
- What changes in speed do you notice?
- How do the shapes of the sounds feel?
London Symphony Orchestra Performance
Run-time: 9 minutes
Take a listen to Holst’s Venus
Recorded at the Barbican on 12 September 2024
Lesson Plan
Download the Venus Teacher Pack
Fun and Games!
Holst’s Venus – Wordsearch
Explore the Series
Content written and presented by Rachel Leach for LSO Discovery 2026.
