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Lesson 4 - Sprint Orienteering Skills

Navigation & Collaboration

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Year 4

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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Big Question

How can we stay calm and think clearly when working under time pressure?

Learning Objectives

To perform effectively under time pressures whilst maintaining accuracy
To refine problem-solving skills using clues and general knowledge
To work independently from the teacher whilst collaborating effectively with teammates

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate calm decision-making under time constraints
Students will solve orienteering clues using literacy and numeracy skills
Students will work collaboratively in teams whilst showing independence from teacher support

Equipment & Resources Required

Cards

40 cards (4 routes × 10 clues)

Place around playground/outdoor area at various heights and locations

Alternative: Laminated paper, tablet devices for digital clues

Score Sheets

1 per team (8-10 sheets)

Attach to clipboards for writing stability

Alternative: Clipboards with paper, mini whiteboards

Stopwatch

1 per team (8-10 stopwatches)

Test all stopwatches work before lesson begins

Alternative: Mobile phone timers, large wall clock

Cones

20-30 cones

Mark team positions and boundaries for ladder activity

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, chalk lines

Pencils

2 per team

Ensure writing implements work and are clearly visible

Alternative: Markers, digital devices

Team bibs

32 bibs (4 colours × 8 bibs)

Distribute to clearly identify team members

Alternative: Coloured bands, house team shirts

Key Vocabulary

Orienteering

A sport involving navigation and problem-solving using clues and maps

Anagram

A word or phrase formed by rearranging letters of another word

Time pressure

Having to complete a task within a limited amount of time

Collaboration

Working together as a team to achieve a common goal

Sprint

Running at maximum speed over a short distance

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of orienteering concepts
Experience working in teams
Basic literacy and numeracy skills for problem solving

Current Skills

Performing under time pressure
Advanced problem-solving with clues
Independent team collaboration

Next Steps

Multi-stage orienteering challenges
Leadership roles in outdoor activities
Complex problem-solving scenarios

Milestone Indicators

Maintains calm demeanor when timer is running

Solves clues accurately without teacher assistance

Demonstrates effective team communication under pressure

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise calm thinking over speed - accuracy matters more than rushing
Model positive team communication and encouragement throughout
Connect orienteering skills to real-life problem-solving situations
Celebrate effort and strategy development, not just completion
Maintain safety through consistent partner system enforcement
Use reflection to reinforce learning about working under pressure
Encourage independence whilst providing safety oversight

Common Misconceptions

Faster searching always leads to better results - teach systematic approach
Only clever students can solve anagrams - show everyone has valuable knowledge
Time pressure means you should panic - teach breathing and calm strategies
Strongest students should do all the searching - emphasise equal participation
Complex clues are impossible to solve - break down into manageable steps

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent role changes, clear time boundaries, movement breaks, fidget tools during puzzle-solving

dyspraxia

Larger writing implements, simplified navigation routes, extra time for coordination tasks, clear visual pathways

autism spectrum

Clear routine cards, quiet reflection space available, predictable team structures, reduced sensory input options

visual impairment

Large print clue cards, high contrast colours, audio clues available, tactile markers for boundaries

hearing impairment

Visual signals for timing, written instruction cards, buddy system for communication

physical disability

Modified routes with wheelchair accessibility, seated puzzle-solving roles, adapted equipment

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development, following written instructions, clear communication of findings, comprehension skills

Maths

Anagram solving, number pattern recognition, addition skills for puzzle solutions, timing and measurement

Science

Problem-solving methodology, systematic investigation approaches, observation and recording skills

Geography

Basic orienteering and navigation concepts, map awareness, spatial understanding of area layout

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration, managing pressure and stress, building resilience, leadership development

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central elevated position with clear sight lines to all search areas and team bases

Observation Focus

Monitor partner compliance, boundary respect, team collaboration, and signs of stress or frustration

Intervention Points

Step in only for safety concerns or if teams completely stuck after trying for 5+ minutes

Demonstration Notes

Model calm problem-solving throughout, show enthusiasm for challenge without creating additional pressure

Verbal Cues

•'Remember to breathe and think clearly!'
•'Use your team's knowledge!'
•'Stay with your partner!'
•'You've got the skills for this!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area minimum 50m x 50m, playground or field with varied terrain for clue placement

Surface Check

Even ground free from holes, debris or slippery areas, safe pathways between clue locations

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all clue cards are securely attached and weather-resistant
•Ensure clipboards have no sharp edges or broken clips
•Test stopwatches function correctly before lesson
•Confirm cones are stable and not cracked

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during excited searching
•Trips and falls while looking for clues
•Getting lost or separated from partner
•Overexertion during timed challenges

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and regularly reinforced
•Mandatory partner system for all searching activities
•Walking pace enforced in clue search areas
•Regular visual checks of all teams during activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of entire search area
•Monitor boundary compliance and partner adherence
•Watch for signs of frustration or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students remain calm and safe