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Lesson 6 - Orienteering Competition

Building Navigation Confidence Through Progressive Orienteering

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Year 4

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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Big Question

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

Maps

1 per pair (15 copies)

Laminated maps showing all control point locations clearly marked

Alternative: School site maps with added control points

Sun Markers

10-15 markers

Positioned at mapped locations with clear visibility

Alternative: Coloured cones with letters/numbers, laminated cards

Clipboards

1 per pair (15)

For recording control point visits and route planning

Alternative: Hard backing boards, writing surfaces

Stopwatch

1 per pair (15)

For teams to monitor their time during competition

Alternative: Mobile phone timers, digital watches

Compass

1 per pair (15)

Basic orienteering compasses suitable for beginners

Alternative: Simple orienteering compasses, phone compass apps

Pencils

2 per pair (30)

For marking routes and recording control point visits

Alternative: Waterproof pens, felt tips

Score Sheets

1 per pair (15)

Pre-prepared sheets for recording control points found

Alternative: Simple recording cards

Key Vocabulary

Orienteering

A sport combining running and navigation using a map and compass to visit control points

Control Point

A specific location marked on the map that participants must visit during orienteering

Route Planning

The process of deciding the best path between control points considering terrain and distance

Map Orientation

Aligning the map so that it matches the actual direction you are facing

Time Management

Planning and controlling how much time to spend on activities to achieve goals

Bearing

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

Students can complete orienteering courses independently

Teams demonstrate effective collaboration and time management

Students show resilience when facing navigation challenges

Evidence of strategic thinking in route planning

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

Lesson 6 - Orienteering Competition

How can we work as an effective team to successfully navigate an orienteering course using maps and compass skills?

Learning Objectives

Key Outcomes

Equipment & Resources Required

Key Vocabulary

Skill Progression Pathway

Prior Learning

Current Skills

Next Steps

Milestone Indicators

Key Teaching Points

Common Misconceptions

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

dyspraxia

autism spectrum

visual impairment

hearing impairment

physical disability

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Science

Geography

PSHE

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Observation Focus

Intervention Points

Demonstration Notes

Verbal Cues

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Surface Check

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

Risk Management

Key Risks

Risk Mitigation

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

Emergency Procedures

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