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Lesson 2 - Leadership and Team Communication

Strategic Communication and Leadership in Outdoor Adventure

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Year 5

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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45 min

Big Question

What makes an effective leader and how do they build successful teams through clear communication?

Learning Objectives

To develop the qualities required to lead a team effectively
To understand the characteristics of effective team communication
To apply tactical thinking and decision-making in team challenges

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate leadership qualities through verbal communication and decision-making
Students will identify and apply effective tactics in competitive team activities
Students will evaluate their own and others' leadership skills and team contributions

Equipment & Resources Required

Hoops

18 (9 per game area)

Arrange in 3x3 grid pattern, 2 metres apart

Alternative: Cones in circles, marked squares on ground

Coloured Cones

20 per team (2 different colours)

Store in team containers at start positions

Alternative: Bean bags, coloured bibs, foam shapes

Whistles

For clear start and stop signals

Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals

Team bibs

10 (5 of each colour)

Different colours for easy team identification

Alternative: Coloured bands, team badges

Key Vocabulary

Leadership

The ability to guide and direct a team towards achieving a goal

Tactics

Planned strategies or methods used to achieve success in a game or challenge

Communication

The clear sharing of information, ideas and instructions between team members

Responsibility

Being accountable for your actions and decisions as a leader or team member

Collaboration

Working together effectively to achieve a shared goal

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of teamwork and cooperation
Experience following simple rules and instructions
Ability to take turns and share equipment

Current Skills

Developing verbal communication as a leader
Creating and applying tactical thinking
Understanding responsibility within team roles

Next Steps

Leading in more complex outdoor adventure challenges
Developing advanced tactical decision-making under pressure
Mentoring younger students in leadership skills

Milestone Indicators

Clear, confident verbal communication to whole team

Ability to adapt tactics based on changing situations

Inclusive leadership that involves all team members

Key Teaching Points

Leadership is about serving the team, not just giving orders
Effective communication includes both speaking clearly and listening actively
Good tactics involve both attacking strategies and defensive awareness
Every team member has valuable contributions regardless of their role
Leadership skills developed in PE transfer directly to life situations
Responsibility means considering the success and wellbeing of the whole team
Adaptability is crucial - leaders must change tactics when circumstances change

Common Misconceptions

Leadership means being the loudest or most dominant person - emphasise that quiet, thoughtful leadership can be equally effective
Only naturally confident students can be leaders - demonstrate that leadership skills can be learned and practiced
Winning is the only measure of leadership success - focus on process qualities like inclusion and communication
Leaders should make all decisions alone - teach collaborative decision-making and listening to team input
Tactics are only about attacking - emphasise the equal importance of defensive thinking and adaptability

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Build in regular movement breaks, use clear boundaries and visual markers, provide specific roles and responsibilities, offer fidget tools during reflection time

dyspraxia

Allow extra processing time for tactical decisions, provide clear step-by-step instructions, use visual cues for spatial awareness, offer alternative ways to participate

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedules for lesson progression, offer quiet reflection spaces, warn of noise levels during activities

visual impairment

Use bright coloured equipment with high contrast, provide verbal descriptions of grid layout, assign sighted partner for spatial guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and hand gestures, provide written instructions on cards, establish clear visual communication systems between team members

physical disability

Adapt movement to walking or wheelchair use, allow seated participation in tactical discussions, modify equipment height and distance as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Clear verbal communication, listening skills, instructional language, reflection and evaluation vocabulary

Maths

Spatial reasoning in grid patterns, counting and probability in tactical outcomes, pattern recognition in winning combinations

Science

Forces and movement in tactical positioning, communication as sound waves, teamwork in scientific investigation

Geography

Spatial awareness and positional language, mapping movement and tactics, directional vocabulary

PSHE

Leadership and responsibility, teamwork and cooperation, communication skills, empathy and inclusion, self-reflection and personal development

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position with clear view of all teams, move to support struggling leaders

Observation Focus

Communication clarity, inclusive leadership behaviour, tactical thinking development

Intervention Points

Step in if communication becomes negative, support struggling leaders with prompts, address exclusion immediately

Demonstration Notes

Model clear communication techniques, show examples of inclusive leadership, demonstrate tactical concepts visually

Verbal Cues

•'Leaders, make sure everyone's voice is heard!'
•'Great tactical thinking - explain your reasoning!'
•'Remember, effective leaders include all team members!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m clear space, suitable for jogging and multiple game areas

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from obstacles, adequate space between game grids

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check hoops are flat and stable on ground
•Ensure cones are in good condition with no sharp edges
•Verify whistle is clean and functioning clearly

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during movement to hoops
•Tripping over equipment
•Overexcitement leading to unsafe behaviour
•Exclusion or negative team dynamics

Risk Mitigation

•Clear movement rules - one person at a time
•Adequate spacing between hoops and game areas
•Emphasis on controlled movement rather than speed
•Active monitoring of team interactions for inclusion

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all game areas
•Monitor team dynamics and communication tone
•Watch for safe equipment handling and movement

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear procedure for dealing with conflicts or exclusion issues