Lesson 5 - Timed Orienteering Course Challenge
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 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
Laminated maps with clear control point markings and legends
Alternative: Large-scale local area maps with grid references
Ensure all stopwatches are reset and working before distribution
Alternative: Mobile phones with timer function, classroom timers
Pre-prepared sheets with space for control point numbers and times
Alternative: Clipboards with paper and pencils
Positioned at mapped locations before lesson begins
Alternative: Cones with numbers, laminated cards, or natural features
For clear start/stop signals audible across the area
Alternative: Air horn, loud voice command
For recording scores and times on master scoreboard
Alternative: Tablet device, notepad
Key Vocabulary
To turn the map so it matches the direction you are facing in real life
A specific location marked on the map that teams must find and visit
Deciding the best order and path to visit control points efficiently
A linear feature like a path, fence or stream that guides navigation
An obvious feature near the control point from which to make the final approach
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
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