Lesson 5 - Timed Orienteering Course Navigation
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 efficiently and achieve our orienteering goals?
Learning Objectives
- To orientate a map correctly and locate points in sequence
- To plan and execute an effective route within time constraints
- To demonstrate effective teamwork and communication skills during orienteering challenges
Key Outcomes
- Students will successfully navigate around an orienteering course using map reading skills
- Students will understand map symbols and use them to plan efficient routes
- Students will demonstrate time management and teamwork attributes
Equipment & Resources Required
Maps should show all orienteering points clearly marked
Alternative: Simplified school ground maps, laminated playground maps
Place at distinctive features matching map locations
Alternative: Cones with letters, laminated signs, coloured markers
Ensure all showing same start time
Alternative: Mobile phone timers, sand timers, central timing system
Include space for point codes and time recording
Alternative: Clipboards with paper, whiteboard markers for laminated sheets
Ensure all are sharp and working
Alternative: Pens, clipboards with attached pencils
Must be audible across entire course area
Alternative: Air horn, loud voice, mobile phone alarm
Key Vocabulary
To position the map so that it matches the real world around you
Deciding the best order and path to visit orienteering points
Pictures and symbols on a map that represent real features
Using your time wisely to achieve the best possible result
Finding your way from one place to another using a map
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic map reading skills from previous orienteering lessons
- Understanding of simple compass directions
- Experience working in pairs cooperatively
- Knowledge of basic orienteering equipment
Current Skills
- Map orientation techniques
- Route planning and time management
- Decision-making under time pressure
- Advanced teamwork and communication
Next Steps
- Multi-stage orienteering courses
- Night or low-visibility orienteering
- Individual orienteering challenges
- Creating their own orienteering courses
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Map orientation is the foundation of all successful navigation
- Effective teamwork requires constant communication between partners
- Time management is as important as navigation skills in orienteering
- Strategic route planning prevents wasted time and energy
- Supporting others while competing shows true sportsmanship
- Realistic goal-setting leads to better outcomes than over-ambition
- Safety must never be compromised for competitive advantage
Common Misconceptions
- Students think they must find all orienteering points rather than strategic selection
- Belief that speed is more important than accuracy and teamwork
- Assumption that one partner should do all the navigation while other follows
- Thinking that being late doesn't matter if you find lots of points
- Misconception that orienteering is just about running fast rather than thinking strategically
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter route options, frequent check-ins with teacher, fidget tools available during planning, clear role definition within pairs
dyspraxia
- Simplified navigation routes, extra practice time with map orientation, supportive partner pairing, visual prompts for sequence of actions
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of activity progression, quiet zones available if overwhelmed, consistent routine structure, advance warning of time pressures
visual impairment
- Large print maps, tactile markers at orienteering points, audio descriptions of route features, buddy support with sighted partner
hearing impairment
- Visual signals for start/stop, written instruction cards, partner communication through gestures and visual cues
physical disability
- Modified course with accessible routes, wheelchair-friendly terrain, adapted equipment holding techniques, extended time allowances
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Time calculation with penalties, distance estimation, scale reading on maps, data recording and analysis of scores
Science
Understanding forces and motion during movement, exploring magnetic compasses, weather observation and planning
Geography
Map reading skills, understanding symbols and keys, spatial awareness, direction and navigation concepts
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, responsibility to partners, managing emotions under pressure, celebrating others' success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central base position with clear sightlines to most of orienteering course
Observation Focus
Monitor pair teamwork, navigation accuracy, time management, and safety
Intervention Points
Step in if pairs become separated, show signs of distress, or make unsafe choices
Demonstration Notes
Use clear physical demonstrations of map orientation, show how to read stopwatch, model excellent partner communication
Verbal Cues
- •'Stay together as a team!'
- •'Check your time!'
- •'Which way does your map point?'
- •'Great communication!'
- •'Safety first, speed second!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large outdoor area minimum 50m x 50m with varied terrain and landmarks
Surface Check
Check for holes, obstacles, slippery surfaces, and ensure boundaries are clear
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Ensure orienteering markers are securely positioned and visible
- •Check stopwatches are working and set correctly
- •Verify pencils are not sharp enough to cause injury
- •Confirm maps are laminated or weather-resistant
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Students rushing and falling while navigating
- •Pairs becoming separated or lost
- •Time pressure causing unsafe decision-making
- •Weather changes affecting visibility or safety
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and communicated
- •Teacher positioned to observe most of course
- •Emergency whistle signal established for immediate return
- •Pairs must stay together at all times rule enforced
- •Regular time checks to prevent panic rushing
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of orienteering course
- •Regular scanning of all pair locations
- •Monitor for signs of distress or unsafe behaviour
- •Be prepared to assist struggling or separated pairs
Emergency Procedures
Emergency whistle for immediate return to base, first aid kit accessible, clear procedure for handling injuries or incidents