Lesson 6 - Orienteering Competition
Building Navigation Confidence Through Progressive Orienteering
•Year 4
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we work as an effective team to successfully navigate an orienteering course using maps and compass skills?
Learning Objectives
- To successfully navigate an orienteering course using map reading and compass skills
- To work effectively as a team to plan routes and manage time during competition
- To demonstrate leadership and cooperation whilst taking responsibility for team success
Key Outcomes
- Students will successfully complete an orienteering competition course within allocated time
- Students will demonstrate effective teamwork and communication throughout the challenge
- Students will show understanding of map symbols and route planning strategies
Equipment & Resources Required
Laminated maps showing all control point locations clearly marked
Alternative: School site maps with added control points
Positioned at mapped locations with clear visibility
Alternative: Coloured cones with letters/numbers, laminated cards
For recording control point visits and route planning
Alternative: Hard backing boards, writing surfaces
For teams to monitor their time during competition
Alternative: Mobile phone timers, digital watches
Basic orienteering compasses suitable for beginners
Alternative: Simple orienteering compasses, phone compass apps
For marking routes and recording control point visits
Alternative: Waterproof pens, felt tips
Pre-prepared sheets for recording control points found
Alternative: Simple recording cards
Key Vocabulary
A sport combining running and navigation using a map and compass to visit control points
A specific location marked on the map that participants must visit during orienteering
The process of deciding the best path between control points considering terrain and distance
Aligning the map so that it matches the actual direction you are facing
Planning and controlling how much time to spend on activities to achieve goals
A compass direction expressed in degrees from north to help navigate accurately
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic map reading skills and symbol recognition
- Understanding of compass directions and map orientation
- Experience working in pairs during orienteering activities
- Knowledge of safety procedures in outdoor environments
Current Skills
- Advanced route planning and time management
- Competitive orienteering under time pressure
- Team leadership and communication skills
- Strategic thinking and tactical decision making
Next Steps
- Multi-day orienteering expeditions
- Using advanced navigation equipment (GPS, altimeter)
- Leading orienteering activities for younger students
- Participating in inter-school orienteering competitions
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise map orientation as the foundation of successful navigation
- Develop time management skills through regular time checks and tactical decisions
- Foster effective communication and cooperation between orienteering partners
- Build resilience and problem-solving skills when facing navigation challenges
- Connect orienteering skills to broader life skills and outdoor adventure opportunities
- Celebrate diverse achievements and contributions to team success
- Ensure safety awareness remains paramount throughout competitive activities
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking that north is always 'up' on a map - demonstrate proper map orientation
- Believing that the fastest route is always the shortest distance - explain terrain considerations
- Assuming all control points must be visited - clarify tactical decision-making
- Thinking competition is only about individual achievement - emphasise teamwork importance
- Believing orienteering requires running everywhere - teach strategic pace management
- Assuming maps are always perfectly accurate - discuss real-world navigation challenges
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Clear time limits and regular check-ins, movement breaks built into planning, simplified maps with fewer control points, immediate feedback
dyspraxia
- Larger scale maps, simplified navigation tasks, extra practice time, step-by-step instruction cards, buddy support system
autism spectrum
- Clear structure and routine, visual schedule of competition stages, quiet zones available, consistent partner pairings
visual impairment
- Large print maps with high contrast, tactile markers at control points, buddy system with sighted partner, verbal descriptions of terrain
hearing impairment
- Visual signals for communication, written instructions provided, clear line of sight to teacher, vibrating or visual timers
physical disability
- Modified course with wheelchair accessible routes, adapted control point heights, shorter distances between points, alternative scoring system
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring distances on maps using scale, calculating scores and time penalties, understanding coordinates and bearings
Science
Magnetic properties of compasses, forces and motion during navigation, weather patterns affecting outdoor activities
Geography
Map reading skills, understanding symbols and keys, compass directions, scale and distance relationships
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, leadership qualities, resilience when facing challenges, celebrating diverse achievements
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around course perimeter maintaining visibility of all teams, central position during briefings
Observation Focus
Monitor navigation accuracy, teamwork quality, safety awareness, and time management skills
Intervention Points
Step in when teams appear lost or unsafe, provide encouragement during challenges, ensure fair competition
Demonstration Notes
Use large demonstration map for clear visibility, show navigation techniques step-by-step, model positive team communication
Verbal Cues
- •'Remember to orient your map!'
- •'Work together to solve this navigation challenge!'
- •'Check your time and adjust your tactics!'
- •'Great teamwork - keep communicating!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large outdoor area minimum 50m x 50m with varied terrain, clearly defined boundaries
Surface Check
Check for holes, obstacles, slippery surfaces, and hazardous plants or materials
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all control markers are secure and visible
- •Ensure maps are current and accurate
- •Verify stopwatches and compasses are working properly
- •Check clipboards have no sharp edges
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Getting lost outside designated area
- •Falls due to uneven terrain or obstacles
- •Collision between teams moving quickly
- •Weather deterioration during outdoor activity
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and understood by all students
- •Teacher positioned for maximum visibility of course area
- •Emergency whistle signals established
- •Regular headcounts and time checks
- •Alternative indoor activities prepared for weather issues
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for sight lines across entire course area
- •Monitor weather conditions continuously
- •Track team locations and progress
- •Be prepared for immediate response to emergencies
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately on whistle signal, gather at designated meeting point, first aid accessible, emergency contact details available