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Lesson 6 - Orienteering Competition Challenge

Map Reading Foundations and Team Navigation Adventures

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Year 3

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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Big Question

How can we work together as a team to navigate successfully and efficiently around an orienteering course?

Learning Objectives

To apply orienteering skills learned throughout the unit in a competitive team challenge
To demonstrate effective teamwork, communication and leadership during navigation tasks
To plan and execute strategic routes using map reading and time management skills

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully navigate around an orienteering course as part of a team
Students will demonstrate effective collaboration and communication during the challenge
Students will apply map reading skills to plan efficient routes and manage time effectively

Equipment & Resources Required

Maps

1 per pair (15 maps)

Pre-marked with all control points, laminated for weather protection

Alternative: Hand-drawn simple maps of school grounds

Sun Markers

15-20 markers

Positioned around designated area before lesson starts

Alternative: Cones with letters/numbers, coloured flags

Score Sheets

1 per pair (15 sheets)

Attached to clipboard or card for easy writing

Alternative: Simple paper with control numbers to tick off

Stopwatch

1 for teacher

Visible countdown timer for all teams to see

Alternative: Mobile phone timer, classroom clock

Whistles

1 for teacher

For emergency stops and time signals

Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals

Pencils

1 per pair (15 pencils)

Tied to recording sheets to prevent loss

Alternative: Pens, coloured pencils for route marking

Key Vocabulary

Orienteering

A sport where participants navigate around a course using a map and compass to find control points

Control point

A specific location marked on the map that teams must visit and record

Route planning

Deciding the best path between control points considering terrain and time

Map orientation

Turning the map so it matches the real landscape around you

Time management

Planning and controlling how long you spend on different parts of the course

Navigation strategy

The planned approach for moving around the course efficiently

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic map orientation and symbol recognition
Experience finding individual control points
Understanding of teamwork and communication
Ability to work safely in outdoor environments

Current Skills

Strategic route planning under time pressure
Advanced map reading and navigation techniques
Leadership and team coordination skills
Time management and decision-making under pressure

Next Steps

Multi-day orienteering expeditions
Navigation using compass bearings
Leading orienteering sessions for younger students
Competitive orienteering events with other schools

Milestone Indicators

Able to plan efficient routes considering terrain and time

Shows clear leadership and communication during navigation

Demonstrates resilience when facing navigation challenges

Can evaluate and improve team performance after the event

Key Teaching Points

Pairs must stay together throughout the entire competition for safety and teamwork development
Map orientation is essential - always turn the map to match the real landscape before navigating
Strategic route planning saves time - consider terrain, distance, and logical sequences rather than just proximity
Communication between partners is crucial for successful navigation and problem-solving
Time management requires regular checking and strategic decisions about when to return to base
Encourage effort and teamwork over competition results to maintain positive learning environment
Safety boundaries are non-negotiable - emphasise staying within designated area at all times

Common Misconceptions

Thinking the nearest control points are always the fastest route - teach strategic planning considering terrain and sequence
Believing one partner should do all the navigation - emphasise shared responsibility and communication
Assuming maps don't need orientation - demonstrate how unoriented maps lead to navigation errors
Thinking speed is more important than accuracy - teach careful navigation prevents time-wasting mistakes
Believing competition means individual success - reinforce partnership and team achievement focus

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter route segments with regular check-ins, clear visual boundaries, movement breaks built into planning time, simplified recording sheets

dyspraxia

Extra practice time with map orientation, simplified route options, partner support for coordination tasks, additional visual cues for navigation

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of competition structure, quiet preparation area available, predictable routine with minimal changes, sensory break options

visual impairment

Large print maps with high contrast, buddy system with sighted partner, verbal descriptions of terrain and landmarks, tactile markers at control points

hearing impairment

Visual signals for time warnings and instructions, written instruction cards, buddy system for communication support, clear visual demonstrations

physical disability

Modified routes with accessible terrain, wheelchair-accessible control points, adapted recording methods, additional time allowances

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Forces and motion during movement, understanding weather effects on outdoor activities

Geography

Understanding maps, symbols, and spatial relationships, using compass directions and coordinates

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation skills, leadership development, managing emotions under pressure, celebrating diversity of strengths

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear sightlines to entire activity area, move strategically to maintain visual contact with all pairs

Observation Focus

Monitor pair cooperation, navigation accuracy, time management skills, and safety compliance throughout

Intervention Points

Step in if pairs separate, students leave boundaries, navigation becomes dangerously frustrating, or time pressure causes unsafe behaviours

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Clear map orientation techniques, show effective communication between partners, model calm problem-solving under pressure

Verbal Cues

•'Stay with your partner!'
•'Check your map position!'
•'Think about your route!'
•'Manage your time wisely!'
•'Work together to solve this!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area minimum 50m x 50m, clearly defined boundaries visible to all

Surface Check

Even terrain free from holes, debris, or hazardous obstacles that could cause falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Control markers securely positioned and visible
•Maps laminated to prevent tears and weather damage
•Pencils attached to prevent loss and injury
•Timer/whistle in good working order for emergency signals

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Pairs separating and individuals becoming lost
•Students leaving designated safe area boundaries
•Falls or injuries on uneven outdoor terrain
•Time pressure leading to unsafe rushing

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundary markers and repeated boundary instructions
•Emphasis on staying in pairs at all times throughout
•Teacher positioned for maximum visibility of area
•Emergency whistle system established and practiced
•Regular time checks to prevent panic rushing

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visual coverage of all pairs
•Move strategically to maintain sight of all participants
•Monitor high-activity areas and potential problem spots
•Keep emergency contact information readily available

Emergency Procedures

Three whistle blasts = immediate stop and return to base, assess any injuries with appropriate first aid response, account for all students before continuing