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Lesson 5 - Timed Orienteering Course Challenge

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 navigate challenges under time pressure?

Learning Objectives

To orientate a map correctly and use it to navigate between multiple points in sequence
To work effectively as a team to plan and execute a route strategy within time constraints
To develop time management skills and tactical decision-making in orienteering challenges

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully orientate maps and navigate between control points using map reading skills
Students will demonstrate effective teamwork, communication and shared decision-making under pressure
Students will show understanding of route planning, time management and strategic thinking in orienteering

Equipment & Resources Required

Maps

1 per pair (15 pairs)

Laminated maps with clear control point markings and legends

Alternative: Large-scale local area maps with grid references

Stopwatch

1 per pair (15)

Ensure all stopwatches are reset and working before distribution

Alternative: Mobile phones with timer function, classroom timers

Score Sheets

1 per pair (15)

Pre-prepared sheets with space for control point numbers and times

Alternative: Clipboards with paper and pencils

Cones

10-15 markers

Positioned at mapped locations before lesson begins

Alternative: Cones with numbers, laminated cards, or natural features

Whistles

For clear start/stop signals audible across the area

Alternative: Air horn, loud voice command

Clipboards

For recording scores and times on master scoreboard

Alternative: Tablet device, notepad

Key Vocabulary

Orientate

To turn the map so it matches the direction you are facing in real life

Control Point

A specific location marked on the map that teams must find and visit

Route Planning

Deciding the best order and path to visit control points efficiently

Handrail Feature

A linear feature like a path, fence or stream that guides navigation

Attack Point

An obvious feature near the control point from which to make the final approach

Time Management

Planning and controlling how time is spent to achieve the best possible result

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic map reading skills including understanding symbols and scale
Experience of orientating a map to match surroundings
Previous orienteering experience finding individual control points

Current Skills

Strategic route planning for multiple control points
Time management and tactical decision-making under pressure
Advanced teamwork and communication skills in challenging situations

Next Steps

Independent orienteering challenges with increased complexity
Leadership roles in guiding less experienced students
Competitive orienteering events and inter-school competitions

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accurate map orientation without teacher support

Effective route planning that considers terrain and time constraints

Strong partnership working with clear communication and shared responsibility

Key Teaching Points

Map orientation is fundamental - students must turn map to match their facing direction consistently
Route planning should consider efficiency, terrain and time constraints rather than random point selection
Partnership communication is essential - both students must contribute to navigation decisions
Time management requires monitoring stopwatch AND planning return journey with safety margin
Strategic thinking develops through considering multiple factors: distance, difficulty, time available
Resilience and adaptation are key when original plans don't work perfectly
Success in orienteering combines navigation accuracy with effective teamwork under pressure

Common Misconceptions

That finding the most points automatically means the best performance - teamwork and learning are equally important
That one partner should do all the navigation while the other just follows along
That speed is more important than accuracy - rushing often leads to getting lost
That the map doesn't need to be orientated once you know where you're going
That you can use all available time without considering the return journey
That orienteering is just about running fast rather than thinking strategically

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter time segments, clear boundaries, regular check-ins, movement breaks built into planning phases

dyspraxia

Simplified maps with key features highlighted, extra navigation support, focus on teamwork over individual navigation

autism spectrum

Clear routine and structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet planning time, predictable partner pairings

visual impairment

Larger print maps, buddy system with sighted partner, tactile control markers, audio descriptions of routes

hearing impairment

Visual signals for start/stop, written instructions, clear sight lines to teacher, partner communication system

physical disability

Adapted routes with wheelchair access, shorter distances, modified time limits, focus on map reading skills

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Time management calculations, measuring distances on maps, understanding scale and grid references, data analysis of scores and times

Science

Understanding forces and friction affecting movement, body systems during exercise, weather effects on outdoor activities

Geography

Map reading skills, understanding symbols and keys, spatial awareness, compass directions and coordinate systems

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, communication skills, resilience and problem-solving, leadership and shared responsibility

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Mobile supervision around course perimeter with clear view of all pairs and quick access to any difficulties

Observation Focus

Watch for accurate map orientation, effective partnership working, safe movement and time management decisions

Intervention Points

Step in if pairs become completely lost, unsafe behaviour occurs, or partnership breaks down significantly

Demonstration Notes

Use large demonstration map for whole-group instruction, show clear route tracing with finger, model positive partnership communication throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Keep your map orientated correctly!'
•'Talk to your partner about your next move!'
•'Check your time and plan your return!'
•'Stay together as a team!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area minimum 100m x 100m with varied terrain, clear boundaries marked

Surface Check

Even ground checked for holes, obstacles or hazards, control points positioned safely

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Maps laminated to prevent tearing and weather damage
•Stopwatches checked for working condition and secure hand straps
•Control markers stable and visible, positioned away from hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Students becoming lost or separated from partners
•Injuries from running on uneven terrain or in excitement
•Collision between pairs during navigation or time pressure

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and regularly reinforced
•Compulsory partner system - no individual navigation
•Teacher mobile supervision with clear sight lines across area
•Time limits prevent students ranging too far from base
•Control points positioned in safe, accessible locations

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Teacher maintains mobile supervision across whole course area
•Clear signals (whistle) for start, time updates and finish
•Immediate response plan if pairs become lost or injured

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, account for all students, provide appropriate first aid, contact school if serious injury