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Lesson 6 - Caving Challenges Part 2 - Advanced Team Problem Solving

Collaborative Problem-Solving Through Adventure Challenges

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Year 4

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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Big Question

How can we work together as an effective team to overcome challenging obstacles safely?

Learning Objectives

To develop advanced team collaboration skills in challenging environments
To understand and demonstrate the characteristics of effective team leadership
To apply tactical thinking and communication strategies during complex physical challenges

Key Outcomes

Students will navigate cave challenges safely using advanced teamwork strategies
Students will demonstrate leadership qualities and support team members effectively
Students will evaluate team performance and suggest improvements for future challenges

Equipment & Resources Required

Gymnastics Benches

8-10 benches

Arrange in parallel lines to create tunnel structures

Alternative: Tables or sturdy chairs if benches unavailable

Gymnastics Mats

8-10 mats

Place on top of benches to create tunnel roofs

Alternative: Thick blankets or tarpaulins

Blindfolds

1 per team (6-8 total)

Ensure they fit securely but comfortably

Alternative: Scarves or fabric strips

Cones

20 cones

Mark cave entrances and team positions

Alternative: Bean bags or markers

Stopwatch

For timing challenges and creating urgency

Alternative: Phone timer or classroom clock

Whistles

For emergency stops and activity transitions

Alternative: Voice commands

Key Vocabulary

Strategy

A plan of action designed to achieve a long-term goal or overall aim

Tactics

Specific actions or steps taken to achieve a strategy

Collaboration

Working together effectively to achieve a common goal

Leadership

Taking responsibility for guiding and motivating others

Resilience

The ability to bounce back from setbacks and keep trying

Consequence

The result or effect of an action or decision

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic caving techniques from previous lessons
Understanding of simple teamwork concepts
Experience with following safety instructions
Knowledge of basic body positions for crawling

Current Skills

Advanced team communication under pressure
Leadership skills in challenging environments
Tactical thinking and strategy development
Complex problem-solving as a team unit

Next Steps

Independent outdoor adventure challenges
Real-world problem-solving scenarios
Advanced orienteering and navigation skills
Leadership roles in competitive team activities

Milestone Indicators

Students confidently take turns leading team discussions

Teams self-organise efficiently without teacher intervention

Students provide constructive feedback to improve performance

Teams adapt strategies quickly when challenges increase

Key Teaching Points

Safety must always take priority over speed or competition in all caving challenges
Effective teams plan together before acting and communicate continuously during challenges
Leadership can be shown by anyone in the team, not just designated captains
Resilience means learning from mistakes and bouncing back stronger as a team
Trust between team members is essential for success in challenging environments
Problem-solving skills developed in PE transfer to many other areas of life
Every team member has valuable contributions to make regardless of their physical ability

Common Misconceptions

That the fastest individual will always make the best team - correct by emphasising coordination over individual speed
That breaking the cave means failure - reframe as learning opportunity and chance to improve strategy
That only physically strong students can be good leaders - highlight communication and strategic thinking skills
That competition means teams should work against each other - emphasise shared learning and mutual support
That some students 'can't do' challenging activities - adapt challenges while maintaining high expectations for all

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear role assignments, movement breaks built into challenges, positive behaviour recognition system, simplified instructions

dyspraxia

Additional practice time for movement skills, larger cave spaces for easier navigation, buddy support system, alternative ways to contribute to team success

autism spectrum

Predictable routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available for breaks, clear expectations and consequences explained in advance

visual impairment

Enhanced verbal descriptions of cave layouts, buddy system with sighted guide, tactile markers for cave boundaries, audio cues for navigation

hearing impairment

Visual demonstration of all instructions, clear hand signals for communication, written strategy cards for teams, visual timers for activities

physical disability

Modified cave heights for wheelchair access, seated coordination roles for non-mobile students, adapted equipment for limited mobility, alternative leadership tasks

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Timing challenges and calculating team completion rates, measuring cave lengths and planning optimal routes, data collection on team performance

Science

Understanding forces and structural stability in cave construction, exploring concepts of teamwork in nature and animal cooperation

Geography

Connecting to real cave systems and underground exploration, understanding how humans adapt to challenging environments

PSHE

Leadership development and responsibility, building trust and communication skills, dealing with pressure and disappointment constructively

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position with clear sightlines to all cave systems, mobile to provide close supervision during high-risk activities

Observation Focus

Monitor cave structural integrity, watch for effective team communication, assess individual participation and engagement

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for safety concerns, provide guidance when teams are struggling with strategies, offer encouragement during challenging moments

Demonstration Notes

Model excellent team communication, show proper caving technique with emphasis on control, demonstrate positive encouragement and constructive feedback

Verbal Cues

•'Safety first, speed second!'
•'Communicate clearly with your team!'
•'Think before you move!'
•'Trust your teammates!'
•'Plan together, succeed together!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or sports hall minimum 20m x 15m, clear of obstacles and with firm, non-slip flooring

Surface Check

Dry, even surface thoroughly checked for hazards, adequate lighting throughout area

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All benches and mats inspected for damage before use
•Bench connections secure and stable
•Mats properly positioned to prevent slipping
•Blindfolds clean and comfortable fit

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Structural collapse of cave systems
•Collisions between students during challenges
•Claustrophobia or panic in confined spaces
•Trips and falls during crawling activities
•Overexertion during competitive challenges

Risk Mitigation

•Constant adult supervision of all cave structures
•Regular stability checks throughout lesson
•Clear emergency procedures for trapped students
•Immediate stop signals established and practiced
•Alternative exit routes always available

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position teachers to observe all cave systems simultaneously
•Maintain close proximity during blindfolded challenges
•Monitor students for signs of distress or anxiety
•Ensure clear sightlines to all activity areas

Emergency Procedures

Immediate whistle stop for all activity, designated students to assist with equipment clearing, trained first aid responder identified, clear route to medical assistance established