Lesson 6 - Orienteering Competition Challenge
Map Reading Foundations and Team Navigation Adventures
•Year 3
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Pre-marked with all control points, laminated for weather protection
Alternative: Hand-drawn simple maps of school grounds
Positioned around designated area before lesson starts
Alternative: Cones with letters/numbers, coloured flags
Attached to clipboard or card for easy writing
Alternative: Simple paper with control numbers to tick off
Visible countdown timer for all teams to see
Alternative: Mobile phone timer, classroom clock
For emergency stops and time signals
Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals
Tied to recording sheets to prevent loss
Alternative: Pens, coloured pencils for route marking
Key Vocabulary
A sport where participants navigate around a course using a map and compass to find control points
A specific location marked on the map that teams must visit and record
Deciding the best path between control points considering terrain and time
Turning the map so it matches the real landscape around you
Planning and controlling how long you spend on different parts of the course
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
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