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Lesson 6 - Collaborative Caving Challenges

Progressive Problem-Solving

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Year 3

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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Big Question

What makes a team unbeatable when facing challenges together?

Learning Objectives

To develop effective teamwork and communication skills through collaborative problem-solving challenges
To understand the importance of individual roles and responsibilities within a team environment
To apply tactical thinking and leadership qualities when navigating physical challenges safely

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully navigate cave challenges using teamwork and communication
Students will demonstrate understanding of effective team member characteristics
Students will show leadership qualities and take responsibility for team success and safety

Equipment & Resources Required

Gymnastics Mats

8-12 mats

Arrange in pairs for cave structures, ensure no gaps

Alternative: Crash mats or thick exercise mats

Gymnastics Benches

4-6 benches

Position to support mats and create tunnel entrances

Alternative: Long tables or stable platforms

Blindfolds

8-10 blindfolds

Clean and ready for individual use

Alternative: PE bands or scarves

Cones

12-16 cones

Mark boundaries and starting positions

Alternative: Markers or bean bags

Stopwatch

2-3 stopwatches

For timing challenges and recording progress

Alternative: Phone timers or wall clock

Key Vocabulary

Collaboration

Working together as a team to achieve a common goal

Strategy

A plan of action designed to achieve a particular goal

Leadership

Taking responsibility for guiding and motivating others

Resilience

The ability to keep trying and recover quickly from difficulties

Tactical thinking

Making smart decisions about how to approach challenges

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of teamwork from previous lessons
Experience with simple obstacle navigation
Knowledge of basic safety rules in physical activities
Introduction to caving activities from Unit 5 previous lessons

Current Skills

Advanced collaborative problem-solving under pressure
Leadership and responsibility taking in team environments
Complex communication skills during physical challenges
Tactical thinking and strategy adaptation

Next Steps

Independent outdoor adventure planning
Leading teams in complex multi-stage challenges
Risk assessment and safety management
Competitive team strategies in outdoor activities

Milestone Indicators

Teams complete challenges without breaking cave structures

Students demonstrate clear leadership roles during activities

Effective communication observed throughout all challenges

Strategic thinking evident in approach to complex tasks

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise that effective teams have clear communication and defined roles
Reinforce that leadership can be shown in many different ways during challenges
Highlight the importance of safety awareness when working under pressure
Demonstrate how tactical thinking improves team performance more than speed alone
Show that resilience and positive attitude help teams overcome setbacks
Explain how individual responsibility contributes to overall team success
Connect teamwork skills learned here to other areas of life and learning

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking only the loudest person can be a leader - teach that quiet leadership through actions is equally valuable
Belief that faster always means better - emphasise that safe, strategic completion is more important than speed
Assumption that teams should never fail - teach that learning from setbacks makes teams stronger
Thinking that only some people are good at teamwork - show how everyone can contribute different strengths
Misconception that competitive activities can't be supportive - demonstrate how competition can bring out the best in team cooperation

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clearly defined roles within teams, regular movement breaks, immediate positive feedback for focus and cooperation

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, additional practice time, focus on strategic thinking rather than physical precision

autism spectrum

Clear routines for each challenge, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available for breaks when needed

visual impairment

Enhanced verbal descriptions of cave layouts, tactile exploration of equipment before use, buddy system for additional guidance

hearing impairment

Visual signals for instructions, written strategy cards, demonstration-heavy teaching approach

physical disability

Adapted cave heights for wheelchair access, modified crawling positions, alternative roles as team strategists or coaches

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, following and giving complex instructions, vocabulary development for team situations

Maths

Timing challenges, measuring cave dimensions, calculating team success rates, geometric understanding of tunnel shapes

Science

Forces and friction in crawling movements, balance and centre of gravity, simple machines in cave construction

Geography

Navigation skills, spatial awareness, understanding of cave environments and formations

PSHE

Leadership development, emotional resilience, conflict resolution, responsibility for others' safety and success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Rotate between team areas for optimal supervision, position for clear view of all activities

Observation Focus

Monitor teamwork dynamics, watch for safety compliance, identify leadership moments

Intervention Points

Step in if team communication breaks down, intervene immediately for safety concerns, support struggling teams

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Always show activities at slow pace first, emphasise safety points clearly, model positive team communication

Verbal Cues

•'Safety first, speed second!'
•'What's your team strategy?'
•'How can you help your teammate succeed?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or outdoor area minimum 20m x 30m, with additional storage space for equipment

Surface Check

Non-slip, level surface free from obstacles, adequate cushioning for crawling activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All mats checked for wear and tear, no exposed edges
•Benches stable and weight-tested before use
•Blindfolds clean and properly fitted
•Cave structures tested for stability before each use

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision between students in confined spaces
•Equipment collapse during caving activities
•Disorientation when blindfolded
•Overexertion during competitive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and spacing between team areas
•Constant supervision during blindfolded activities
•Regular equipment safety checks throughout lesson
•Emergency procedures clearly established and practiced

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all cave structures
•Move between teams during activities to monitor safety
•Assign additional adult support for complex challenges
•Maintain clear sight lines to all activity areas

Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop signal established, clear evacuation routes, first aid kit accessible, emergency contact information available