Lesson 2 - Cone Orienteering Skills
Building Navigation Confidence Through Progressive Orienteering
•Year 4
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use maps and teamwork to navigate successfully in the outdoors?
Learning Objectives
- To develop basic orienteering skills using simple maps and courses
- To understand how to orientate a map correctly for navigation
- To work effectively in pairs and teams to complete orienteering challenges
Key Outcomes
- Students will successfully navigate a cone course using a simple map
- Students will demonstrate understanding of map orientation and basic navigation
- Students will show effective teamwork and communication during orienteering activities
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around outdoor area according to course maps
Alternative: Coloured markers, bean bags, or laminated cards
Different difficulty levels available for differentiation
Alternative: Laminated hand-drawn maps if pre-made unavailable
For recording scores and tracking progress
Alternative: Clipboards with score sheets and pencils
Define safe activity area clearly
Alternative: Natural boundaries like trees or fences
Key Vocabulary
A sport where you navigate around a course using a map and sometimes a compass
To position a map so that it matches the real landscape around you
Finding your way from one place to another using a map
A legend that explains what the symbols on a map represent
A planned route with checkpoints that orienteers must visit in order
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of maps and plans from geography
- Experience working in pairs and small groups
- Understanding of following simple directions
Current Skills
- Map orientation and basic navigation skills
- Using a key to interpret map symbols
- Collaborative problem-solving in outdoor activities
Next Steps
- More complex orienteering courses with multiple checkpoints
- Introduction to compass work and bearings
- Independent navigation challenges
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Map orientation is fundamental - north on map must match real north
- Effective partnerships require communication, sharing roles, and mutual support
- Navigation requires systematic approach: orientate, plan, move, check, record
- Teamwork in orienteering means helping everyone succeed, not just fastest completion
- Accuracy is as important as speed in orienteering activities
- Resilience and positive attitude are essential when facing navigation challenges
- Safety awareness must be maintained while concentrating on navigation tasks
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking maps should always be held 'right way up' - correct by showing map orientation
- Believing orienteering is just running fast - emphasise navigation and accuracy
- Assuming one person should lead all navigation - promote shared responsibility
- Thinking mistakes mean failure - frame errors as learning opportunities
- Believing competition means not helping others - model supportive competition
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear structured tasks, movement breaks between activities
dyspraxia
- Simplified maps, extra practice time, physical support for map handling and recording
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet space available, consistent routines and expectations
visual impairment
- Large print maps with high contrast colours, tactile markers on cones, buddy system with sighted partner
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstration cards, written instructions, clear line of sight to teacher at all times
physical disability
- Adapted course distances, wheelchair accessible routes, alternative recording methods
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication skills, following and giving instructions, vocabulary development
Maths
Counting and recording scores, understanding coordinates and grids, measuring distances
Geography
Map reading skills, using keys and symbols, understanding direction and location
PSHE
Teamwork and collaboration, leadership skills, resilience and problem-solving
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around the perimeter of activity area to observe all students, positioning near struggling pairs when needed
Observation Focus
Watch for effective map reading, positive teamwork interactions, and safe movement around course
Intervention Points
Step in when students struggle with map orientation, teamwork breaks down, or safety concerns arise
Demonstration Notes
Use large, clear maps for demonstrations, exaggerate map orientation movements, model positive partnership language
Verbal Cues
- •'Orientate your map first!'
- •'Work together as partners!'
- •'Check your route before you move!'
- •'Celebrate your successes together!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large outdoor area minimum 40m x 40m, free from hazards and obstacles
Surface Check
Even ground surface, free from holes, wet patches, or debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all cones are stable and in good condition
- •Ensure whiteboards and pens are safe and appropriate for outdoor use
- •Verify maps are laminated or weather-resistant
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students moving quickly to cones
- •Trips and falls on uneven outdoor surfaces
- •Getting lost or disoriented outside designated area
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and communicated
- •Emphasis on controlled movement rather than sprinting
- •Adult supervision positioned for maximum visibility
- •Emergency procedures explained before activities begin
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position teacher/adults around perimeter of activity area
- •Maintain visual contact with all students at all times
- •Monitor weather conditions throughout lesson
Emergency Procedures
Whistle stop signal, immediate first aid kit access, clear evacuation route to school building