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Lesson 2 - Cone Orienteering

Strategic Navigation and Collaborative Orienteering

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Year 5

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use maps and teamwork to navigate challenges together?

Learning Objectives

To introduce and understand the concept of orienteering using maps
To develop map reading skills including orientation and route following
To work effectively as a team member, demonstrating cooperation and communication

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to orientate a map correctly and navigate a simple course
Students will demonstrate effective teamwork skills through collaboration and encouragement
Students will understand the key features of a map and how they help with navigation

Equipment & Resources Required

Coloured Cones

30-40 (6-8 each of 5 different colours)

Place in various locations around activity area before lesson

Alternative: Coloured markers, bean bags, or laminated cards

Maps

15-20 copies (one per pair)

Laminate maps for durability and repeated use

Alternative: Hand-drawn maps on whiteboards for reuse

Clipboards

15-20 (one per pair)

Include space for scoring and course completion times

Alternative: Clipboards with paper, or mini whiteboards

Sun Markers

10-12

Ensure markers work and have erasers available

Alternative: Pencils if using paper recording sheets

Key Vocabulary

Orienteering

A sport where participants navigate between checkpoints using a map and compass

Orientate

To position a map so it matches the direction you are facing in the real world

Navigation

The process of planning and following a route from one place to another

Control point

A specific location marked on the map that you must visit in sequence

Route

The path taken between control points on an orienteering course

Legend/Key

The section of a map that explains what all the symbols mean

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of following simple directions
Experience working in pairs and small groups
Awareness of colours and basic map symbols

Current Skills

Map orientation and alignment with surroundings
Following routes using visual map references
Collaborative problem-solving in outdoor environments

Next Steps

Using compass bearings for navigation
Reading contour lines and understanding terrain
Planning own orienteering routes

Milestone Indicators

Consistently orientates map before starting navigation

Can explain why map orientation is important

Works cooperatively without adult intervention

Key Teaching Points

Always orientate the map before starting navigation - this is the foundation skill
Encourage constant communication between partners during all orienteering activities
Emphasise that accuracy and teamwork are more important than speed in orienteering
Use the environment around students to demonstrate map-to-reality connections
Celebrate problem-solving and collaborative behaviours rather than just successful navigation
Regularly reinforce safety boundaries and partner systems throughout the lesson
Build confidence gradually from simple to more complex orienteering challenges

Common Misconceptions

Maps always have North at the top - explain that we rotate maps to match our view
Faster movement equals better orienteering - emphasise careful, planned navigation
Only one correct route exists between points - show multiple valid path options
Map reading is only about following lines - highlight the importance of environmental awareness
Individual navigation is better than teamwork - demonstrate advantages of collaborative problem-solving

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter courses initially, regular check-ins with teacher, movement breaks between activities

dyspraxia

Simplified maps with fewer features, extra practice time, supportive partner pairing

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, predictable routine structure

visual impairment

Large print maps with high contrast colours, tactile markers on cones, buddy system with sighted partner

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all instructions, hand signals for directions, written course instructions

physical disability

Adapted maps for wheelchair users, modified cone heights, alternative recording methods

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Forces and motion during navigation, friction between different surfaces, weather impact on outdoor activities

Geography

Map skills, using keys and symbols, understanding aerial perspectives, directional vocabulary

PSHE

Teamwork skills, communication, resilience when facing challenges, leadership and responsibility

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Mobile positioning to observe all pairs while maintaining overview of entire activity area

Observation Focus

Watch for correct map orientation, quality of partner collaboration, and navigation accuracy

Intervention Points

Step in when pairs are struggling with basic map reading or when safety boundaries are approached

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements when showing map orientation to ensure all students can see the technique clearly

Verbal Cues

•'Orientate your map first!'
•'Talk to your partner about the route!'
•'Check where you are on the map!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area minimum 30m x 40m with clear boundaries and varied terrain for realistic orienteering

Surface Check

Even ground free from holes, debris, or obstacles that could cause trips or falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Cones positioned away from boundary hazards
•Maps laminated to prevent paper cuts and weather damage
•Recording equipment suitable for outdoor conditions

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Students becoming separated from partners
•Collisions while focusing on maps rather than surroundings
•Getting lost or going beyond designated boundaries

Risk Mitigation

•Clear, visible boundaries established and regularly reinforced
•Partner system maintained throughout all activities
•Regular teacher circulation and visual contact with all pairs
•Emergency whistle system for immediate attention

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of entire activity area
•Regular movement between pairs during navigation
•Monitor boundaries and ensure no students venture beyond

Emergency Procedures

Stop whistle brings all students to central gathering point, assess any injuries, appropriate first aid response