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Lesson 6 - Caving Challenges Part 2: Team Problem Solving

Collaborative Problem Solving Through Adventure Challenges

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Year 5

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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 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

Gymnastics Benches

7 benches

Position to create tunnel structures of varying lengths

Alternative: Large tables, PE apparatus

Safety Mats

12-16 mats

Place under and over benches to create cave tunnels

Alternative: Crash mats, gymnastics mats

Blindfolds

1 per student (30)

Clean and checked for hygiene before use

Alternative: Fabric strips, sleep masks

Cones

20 cones

Mark start/finish points and boundaries

Alternative: Markers, bean bags

Stopwatch

4-6 stopwatches

For timing team challenges and creating urgency

Alternative: Phone timers, wall clock

Sun Markers

1 set

For recording team strategies and success criteria

Alternative: Flipchart paper

Key Vocabulary

Collaboration

Working together effectively to achieve a common goal

Strategy

A plan or method to achieve success in a challenge

Leadership

Guiding and motivating others towards achieving a goal

Responsibility

Being accountable for your actions and caring for others

Resilience

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

Students communicate effectively under pressure

Teams work collaboratively without adult intervention

Students demonstrate leadership qualities naturally

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