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Lesson 5 - Caving Teamwork Problem Solving

Progressive Problem-Solving

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Year 3

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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Big Question

How can effective teamwork help us overcome challenging obstacles together?

Learning Objectives

To develop teamwork and communication skills through collaborative problem-solving challenges
To understand the characteristics and importance of effective team members
To practice safe movement techniques whilst navigating through confined spaces

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully navigate through cave challenges using teamwork and communication
Students will identify and demonstrate characteristics of effective team members
Students will solve problems collectively and support team members through encouragement

Equipment & Resources Required

Gymnastics Mats

8-10 mats

Ensure mats are clean and in good condition for students to crawl under

Alternative: Large towels or blankets if mats unavailable

Gymnastics Benches

4-6 benches

Position benches securely with seats facing inwards for tunnel creation

Alternative: Sturdy tables or large PE boxes

Box Tops

3 box tops

Use for creating varied height tunnels and more challenging caves

Alternative: Large cardboard boxes or additional benches

Parachutes

2-3 large sheets

For covering box tops to create more realistic cave environments

Alternative: Large fabric pieces or tarpaulins

Cones

12-16 cones

Mark team starting positions and cave boundaries clearly

Alternative: Bean bags or rope for marking boundaries

Key Vocabulary

Caving

The sport of exploring caves and moving through narrow underground tunnels

Collaboration

Working together effectively as a team to achieve a common goal

Strategy

A plan or method designed to achieve a particular goal

Communication

Sharing ideas, instructions and encouragement clearly with team members

Responsibility

Taking care of your role in the team and looking after others' safety

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of following instructions and working with others
Experience of moving through spaces safely
Understanding of taking turns and sharing equipment

Current Skills

Developing teamwork and communication skills
Problem-solving through collective thinking
Understanding roles and responsibilities within a team

Next Steps

More complex problem-solving challenges requiring advanced planning
Leadership roles in outdoor adventure activities
Independent team organisation and strategy development

Milestone Indicators

Students demonstrate clear communication with team members

Teams show improved coordination and strategy over time

Students take initiative in encouraging and supporting others

Key Teaching Points

Safety must never be compromised for speed or competition - establish this principle from the start
Every team member has a crucial role - ensure rotation and inclusion of all students
Communication is the foundation of effective teamwork - model and practice throughout
Head-first cave navigation with controlled arm movements ensures safety and success
Problem-solving requires planning, execution, and adaptation - guide teams through this process
Celebration of effort and improvement builds confidence for future challenges
Real-world connections help students see value in teamwork skills beyond PE

Common Misconceptions

Speed is more important than safety - always emphasise safe completion over quick completion
Loud encouragement is better than thoughtful communication - teach appropriate volume and specific feedback
Only confident students can be leaders - show how every student can contribute leadership in different ways
Cave challenges are just for fun - help students see serious skills being developed
Teams that struggle are failing - reframe challenges as learning opportunities for growth

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, specific roles with clear boundaries, regular positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Extra practice time for movement patterns, simplified coordination requirements, adult support for complex manoeuvres

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if overwhelmed, consistent team groups

visual impairment

Use bright coloured equipment, provide tactile exploration of tunnel setup, buddy system with sighted guide

hearing impairment

Visual demonstration of all techniques, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards

physical disability

Adapted tunnel heights for wheelchair access, alternative roles like coach or timekeeper, modified movement patterns

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following instructions, clear communication, using descriptive language for reflection

Maths

Timing challenges, measuring tunnel dimensions, counting team members and rotations

Science

Forces and movement, friction between body and surfaces, simple machines concepts

Geography

Understanding caves and underground environments, spatial awareness and direction

PSHE

Teamwork, communication, perseverance, supporting others, managing emotions under challenge

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear sight lines to all team areas, move between teams during activities

Observation Focus

Monitor safety compliance, team communication quality, and individual engagement levels

Intervention Points

Step in if safety standards drop, equipment becomes unstable, or students show distress

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements to show techniques, emphasise safety aspects visually

Verbal Cues

•'Cave safety first!'
•'Head first, arms strong!'
•'Team communication!'
•'Controlled movements!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor space minimum 15m x 10m, free from obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Clean, dry floor suitable for crawling, non-slip surface preferred

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All mats checked for tears, holes or damaged edges before use
•Benches inspected for stability and secure leg positioning
•Ensure adequate padding where students may contact hard surfaces

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision between students in tunnels
•Equipment collapse if not properly secured
•Claustrophobia or anxiety in confined spaces
•Strain injuries from inappropriate movement

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing between team areas to prevent collisions
•Mandatory equipment safety checks before each activity
•Adult supervision with view of all tunnel entrances and exits
•Alternative activities for students with claustrophobia
•Emphasis on head-first movement and controlled speed

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all team areas
•Monitor equipment stability throughout activities
•Watch for signs of distress or anxiety in students
•Ensure safety rules are consistently followed

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if equipment fails, first aid available for minor injuries, clear evacuation route maintained