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Lesson 5 - Caving Challenges Part 1

Advanced Team Problem Solving Through Physical Challenges

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Year 6

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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Big Question

What makes an effective team when facing physical challenges together?

Learning Objectives

To understand and demonstrate the characteristics of effective teamwork
To develop communication and collaboration skills through caving challenges
To safely navigate through simulated cave environments using appropriate techniques

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully complete caving challenges through effective teamwork
Students will demonstrate clear communication and leadership skills
Students will understand their individual role within team success

Equipment & Resources Required

Gymnastics Mats

16 (2 per team of 4)

One flat on floor, one inverted on top to create cave tunnel

Alternative: Crash mats or yoga mats

Benches

8-10

Turn sideways so seat parts face each other, cover with mats

Alternative: Tables or sturdy boxes

Box Tops

4-6

Cover with sheets or parachutes to create enclosed tunnels

Alternative: Large tables or portable stages

Parachutes

4-6

Secure over gym box tops to create realistic cave environment

Alternative: Large tarpaulins or PE hall curtains

Cones

Mark start/finish points and team zones

Alternative: Markers or bean bags

Stopwatch

For timing competitive challenges

Alternative: Phone timer or wall clock

Key Vocabulary

Caving

The sport of exploring caves and underground passages

Collaboration

Working together effectively to achieve a common goal

Strategy

A planned approach to solving a problem or completing a challenge

Body Position

The way you position your body to move safely and efficiently

Encouragement

Giving support and confidence to team members

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of teamwork principles
Experience with simple cooperative activities
Knowledge of following safety instructions

Current Skills

Advanced teamwork and communication skills
Problem-solving in challenging physical environments
Leadership and responsibility for others' safety

Next Steps

Complex multi-stage problem-solving challenges
Independent team leadership roles
Advanced outdoor adventure activities

Milestone Indicators

Teams complete challenges without breaking equipment

Clear verbal communication throughout activities

Natural emergence of leadership roles within teams

Key Teaching Points

Safety is paramount - correct caving technique prevents injury
Effective teamwork requires clear communication and defined roles
Leadership emerges through taking responsibility for others' success
Problem-solving improves when teams plan before acting
Encouragement and support are essential for team achievement
Equipment care reflects respect for shared resources
Challenge success comes from balancing speed with safety

Common Misconceptions

Teams think speed is more important than safety - emphasise technique over time
Students believe only one person needs to lead - highlight shared leadership opportunities
Some think competition means winning at any cost - reinforce sportsmanship values
Teams may focus only on their own success - encourage supporting other teams
Students might think caving is just crawling - explain strategic movement and body positioning

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break challenges into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, assign specific responsibility roles

dyspraxia

Allow extra practice time for technique, provide simplified movement patterns, use larger equipment for easier handling

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, offer quiet preparation time, use visual schedules for activity progression

visual impairment

Use bright coloured mats for contrast, provide verbal descriptions of cave layout, assign sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for start/stop, provide written instructions, ensure clear sight lines for lip reading

physical disability

Adapt cave height for wheelchair access, allow alternative movement patterns, provide modified roles within teams

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, listening and responding, giving clear instructions and explanations

Maths

Timing challenges and calculating differences, measuring cave dimensions, strategic planning with spatial awareness

Science

Forces and friction in movement, materials and their properties in equipment, physics of leverage in caving technique

Geography

Cave formation and underground landscapes, orienteering and spatial navigation, environmental challenges

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills, responsibility for others' safety, resilience and problem-solving

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position for demonstrations, circulating during activities for optimal supervision of all teams

Observation Focus

Safety compliance, teamwork quality, emerging leadership, problem-solving strategies, inclusion of all team members

Intervention Points

Step in for unsafe technique, facilitate struggling teams' strategy discussions, highlight excellent teamwork examples

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate caving technique slowly and clearly, emphasise safety over speed, model positive encouragement language, show both correct and incorrect examples for clarity

Verbal Cues

•'Head up, eyes forward!'
•'Smooth and controlled movements!'
•'What's your team strategy?'
•'How can you encourage your teammate?'
•'Check your equipment is secure!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full school hall (minimum 15m x 20m), clear of obstacles, non-slip surface essential

Surface Check

Dry, clean floor free from hazards, adequate grip for caving movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all mats for tears or damage before use
•Ensure benches are stable and positioned securely
•Verify gym box tops can support weight safely
•Check sheets/parachutes have no holes that could cause entanglement

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision during bi-directional movement
•Equipment collapse if not properly set up
•Injury from poor caving technique
•Entanglement in sheets or loose clothing

Risk Mitigation

•Mandatory safety demonstration before any caving attempts
•Constant supervision during equipment setup
•Clear protocols for equipment failure/restart
•Spotter assigned for every caving attempt
•Immediate stop procedure if any safety concern arises

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all caves simultaneously
•Circulate continuously during active challenges
•Monitor equipment integrity throughout lesson
•Check caving technique constantly for head position and control

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injured party, provide appropriate first aid, clear safe evacuation route if needed