🧭

Lesson 5 - Timed Orienteering Course

Strategic Navigation and Collaborative Orienteering

•

Year 5

•

Outdoor Adventurous Activities

•

Big Question

How can effective teamwork and strategic planning help us succeed in orienteering challenges?

Learning Objectives

To successfully orientate a map and locate points in a strategic sequence
To develop time management skills whilst navigating under pressure
To demonstrate effective teamwork and communication during orienteering challenges

Key Outcomes

Students will orientate maps correctly and navigate efficiently between control points
Students will plan strategic routes and manage time effectively during timed challenges
Students will work cooperatively in pairs, sharing responsibilities and supporting each other

Equipment & Resources Required

Maps

1 per pair (15 maps)

Ensure maps are current and show all control point locations clearly

Alternative: Laminated photocopies of detailed area maps

Stopwatch

1 per pair (15 stopwatches)

Test all stopwatches work and reset to zero before lesson

Alternative: Mobile phones with timer function, shared class stopwatch

Score Sheets

1 per pair (15 sheets)

Pre-printed with control point numbers and space for times

Alternative: Small notebooks or clipboards with paper

Cones

10-15 markers

Place securely at predetermined locations before lesson starts

Alternative: Coloured cones, laminated signs, or natural features

Compass

1 per pair (15 compasses)

Check all compasses are working and pointing north correctly

Alternative: Compass apps on devices, shared class compasses

Pencils

1 per pair (15 pencils)

Ensure writing implements work in outdoor conditions

Alternative: Pens or markers suitable for outdoor use

Whistles

Test signal can be heard across entire course area

Alternative: Air horn, voice commands, mobile phone alarm

Scorecards

Large enough for all pairs to see their scores and times

Alternative: Flipchart paper, whiteboard, or clipboard

Key Vocabulary

Orientate

To align the map so it matches the real landscape around you

Control point

A specific location marked on the map that orienteers must find

Route planning

Deciding the best path to take between control points

Time management

Using available time efficiently to achieve the best result

Navigation

Finding your way from one place to another using a map and compass

Strategy

A plan of action designed to achieve a particular goal

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic map reading skills and symbol recognition
Understanding of compass directions (N, S, E, W)
Experience following simple orienteering routes
Knowledge of basic orienteering safety procedures

Current Skills

Advanced map orientation techniques
Strategic route planning under time pressure
Effective partnership communication during navigation
Time management and decision-making skills

Next Steps

Complex multi-stage orienteering courses
Night orienteering with limited visibility
Competitive orienteering with scoring systems
Leadership roles in guiding orienteering groups

Milestone Indicators

Consistently orientates map correctly within 30 seconds

Plans logical routes between multiple control points

Communicates effectively with partner during navigation

Returns to base within allocated time limits

Key Teaching Points

Map orientation is the foundation skill - check it constantly throughout navigation
Effective partnerships share responsibilities and communicate clearly about decisions
Strategic route planning considers both distance and difficulty of terrain
Time management requires regular checking and conservative estimates for safety
Safety boundaries must never be crossed regardless of competition pressure
Learning from mistakes is as valuable as achieving high scores
Equipment care shows respect for shared resources and prepares tools for others

Common Misconceptions

Thinking they can visit all control points in the time allowed - emphasise strategic selection
Believing that running everywhere is faster than careful navigation - demonstrate efficiency of good planning
Assuming one partner should do all the navigation - emphasise shared responsibility and communication
Thinking compass points the way to go - clarify it shows direction for map orientation
Believing penalties don't matter if you find more points - demonstrate mathematics of scoring system

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter time segments with regular check-ins, clear physical boundaries, movement breaks built into planning time

dyspraxia

Simplified maps with fewer details, extra practice time with equipment, partner support for organisation

autism spectrum

Clear, predictable routines, visual schedule of lesson structure, quiet zones available for breaks

visual impairment

Use high-contrast maps with large symbols, provide verbal descriptions of terrain, buddy system with sighted partner

hearing impairment

Visual time signals using flags or lights, written instruction cards, clear line-of-sight communication

physical disability

Adapted course with wheelchair-accessible routes, modified distances, alternative transport if needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Time calculations for course completion, distance estimation using map scales, angles and bearings for navigation, data analysis of results

Science

Magnetic forces in compass function, weather patterns affecting outdoor activities, forces and motion in human movement

Geography

Map reading skills, understanding of scale and symbols, cardinal directions and compass bearings, landscape features and terrain

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills, resilience when facing challenges, trust and communication in partnerships

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear sight lines across entire course area for safety monitoring

Observation Focus

Monitor map orientation accuracy, partnership communication, time management, and adherence to safety boundaries

Intervention Points

Step in if students appear lost, are taking safety risks, or if partnerships are breaking down

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, visible gestures for map orientation, point out obvious landmarks, model positive partnership communication

Verbal Cues

•'Orient your map first!'
•'Talk to your partner!'
•'Check your time!'
•'Stay within boundaries!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area minimum 100m x 100m with varied terrain, clear of traffic

Surface Check

Check ground conditions for holes, debris, or hazardous materials before lesson

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Ensure all compasses are functioning correctly and securely attached
•Check maps are current and clearly marked with safe boundaries
•Verify stopwatches are working and easily operated by students

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Students getting lost outside designated course area
•Trips and falls on uneven outdoor terrain
•Weather-related risks like sudden rain or extreme temperatures
•Students becoming separated from partners

Risk Mitigation

•Clear course boundaries established and explained before start
•Regular time checks and position monitoring by teacher
•Emergency whistle signals taught and practiced
•Weather contingency plans prepared and communicated

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position teacher centrally for maximum visibility of course area
•Regular sweeps to monitor all pairs' progress and safety
•Clear communication system for emergencies or problems

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately on whistle signal, account for all students, appropriate first aid for injuries, clear evacuation routes established