Lesson 6 - Caving Challenges Part 2: Team Problem Solving
Collaborative Problem Solving Through Adventure Challenges
•Year 5
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we work together as an effective team to overcome challenging situations?
Learning Objectives
- To understand the characteristics of effective teamwork in challenging environments
- To develop communication and collaboration skills through problem-solving activities
- To apply tactical thinking and leadership in team-based challenges
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate effective teamwork skills during caving challenges
- Students will communicate clearly and support team members throughout activities
- Students will show tactical thinking and problem-solving abilities in unfamiliar situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Position to create tunnel structures of varying lengths
Alternative: Large tables, PE apparatus
Place under and over benches to create cave tunnels
Alternative: Crash mats, gymnastics mats
Clean and checked for hygiene before use
Alternative: Fabric strips, sleep masks
Mark start/finish points and boundaries
Alternative: Markers, bean bags
For timing team challenges and creating urgency
Alternative: Phone timers, wall clock
For recording team strategies and success criteria
Alternative: Flipchart paper
Key Vocabulary
Working together effectively to achieve a common goal
A plan or method to achieve success in a challenge
Guiding and motivating others towards achieving a goal
Being accountable for your actions and caring for others
The ability to keep trying and stay positive when facing difficulties
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of teamwork from previous OAA lessons
- Experience with simple problem-solving activities
- Knowledge of basic safety procedures in PE
Current Skills
- Advanced teamwork and communication skills
- Tactical thinking and strategy development
- Leadership and responsibility in challenging situations
Next Steps
- Complex multi-stage problem-solving challenges
- Leading others through outdoor adventures
- Risk assessment and decision-making in outdoor environments
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Effective teams combine different strengths and skills rather than requiring everyone to be the same
- Clear communication becomes even more important when facing challenging or unfamiliar situations
- Trust between team members is built through consistent support and reliable behaviour
- Good leaders listen to others' ideas and adapt their approach based on team needs
- Resilience in teams comes from supporting each other through difficulties rather than avoiding challenges
- Safety and teamwork are more important than speed or winning in adventure activities
- Problem-solving improves when teams plan together before acting
Common Misconceptions
- That teams are successful only if they complete challenges quickly - emphasise quality of teamwork over speed
- That leadership means telling others what to do - model collaborative leadership and shared decision-making
- That mistakes mean failure - highlight how teams learn and improve through challenges and setbacks
- That only some students can be leaders - demonstrate how different situations need different leadership styles
- That communication is just talking - show importance of listening and non-verbal communication
- That adventure activities are about individual achievement - reinforce collective success and shared responsibility
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments with clear transitions, additional movement breaks, specific roles to maintain focus, immediate positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement patterns, additional practice time, clear step-by-step instructions, alternative ways to contribute to team success
autism spectrum
- Clear structure and routine explanation, visual schedule of activities, quiet areas available for breaks, predictable team membership
visual impairment
- Enhanced verbal descriptions of cave layout, tactile exploration of equipment before use, buddy system with clear verbal guidance throughout
hearing impairment
- Visual signals for team communication, written strategy cards, demonstration-based instruction, hand signal communication systems
physical disability
- Modified cave heights for wheelchair access, alternative roles as team coordinators, adapted challenges focusing on strategic thinking
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Speaking and listening skills through team communication, vocabulary development with technical terms, following and giving instructions clearly
Maths
Problem-solving strategies, spatial awareness and geometry in cave navigation, timing and measurement in challenges
Science
Forces and motion in movement through caves, materials and their properties in equipment safety, light and dark in blindfolded challenges
PSHE
Working with others, developing confidence, managing emotions under pressure, leadership and responsibility skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position during introductions, moving between teams during activities, positioned for optimal safety oversight during challenges
Observation Focus
Watch for natural leadership emerging, quality of communication between team members, safety awareness, and inclusive behaviour
Intervention Points
Step in for safety concerns, provide gentle guidance when teams are struggling, encourage quieter students to contribute, redirect competitive behaviour towards collaboration
Demonstration Notes
Model excellent teamwork yourself, show calm problem-solving under pressure, demonstrate positive encouragement techniques, highlight good examples as they happen
Verbal Cues
- •'Remember to communicate clearly'
- •'Safety first, success second'
- •'How can you help your team member?'
- •'What strategy would work here?'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall minimum 15m x 20m, clear of obstacles, with storage space for equipment around perimeter
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, non-slip mats securely positioned
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •All benches stable and weight-tested
- •Mats positioned securely without gaps or wrinkles
- •Blindfolds clean and properly fitted
- •No sharp edges or protruding equipment
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during blindfolded activities
- •Falls from unstable cave structures
- •Students becoming trapped in cave tunnels
- •Overexcitement leading to unsafe behaviour
Risk Mitigation
- •Thorough equipment checks before each activity
- •Clear boundaries and safe zones established
- •Adult supervision of all cave activities
- •Emergency stop signals practiced
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all active caves
- •One adult per 6-8 students maximum during challenges
- •Designated first aider available
- •Clear evacuation procedures communicated
Emergency Procedures
Immediate stop on safety signal, assessment of situation, appropriate first aid response, incident recording if required