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Lesson 6 - Caving Challenges Part 2

Advanced Team Problem Solving Through Physical Challenges

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Year 6

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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1h 9min

Big Question

What makes a team truly effective when facing challenging environments?

Learning Objectives

To understand the characteristics of effective teamwork in challenging environments
To develop communication and collaboration skills through cave navigation challenges
To apply tactical thinking and problem-solving strategies as a team

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully navigate cave challenges using effective teamwork
Students will demonstrate clear communication and mutual support
Students will evaluate team performance and identify improvement strategies

Equipment & Resources Required

Large Gym Mats

12-16 mats

Used for cave roofs and padding

Alternative: Crash mats or thick exercise mats

Gymnastics Benches

7 benches

Form cave framework and sides

Alternative: Sturdy tables or low apparatus

Blindfolds

8-10 blindfolds

For sensory challenge activities

Alternative: Clean PE bibs or eye masks

Cones

20 cones

Mark cave entrances and boundaries

Alternative: Bean bags or markers

Stopwatch

Time team challenges and provide feedback

Alternative: Phone timer app

Key Vocabulary

Collaboration

Working together effectively by sharing ideas and supporting each other

Tactical thinking

Planning and adapting strategies to overcome challenges efficiently

Cave navigation

Moving safely and efficiently through confined spaces using proper technique

Team dynamics

How team members interact and work together to achieve common goals

Responsibility

Taking ownership for your actions and looking after others' wellbeing

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic cave navigation techniques from previous lesson
Understanding of personal safety in confined spaces
Experience working in small teams

Current Skills

Advanced teamwork and communication in challenging environments
Tactical thinking and problem-solving under pressure
Leadership and responsibility for others' safety

Next Steps

Complex multi-team challenges and competitions
Independent planning and execution of OAA challenges
Peer coaching and leadership development

Milestone Indicators

Teams complete challenges without breaking cave structures

Clear, calm communication throughout activities

Students take initiative to help struggling teammates

Key Teaching Points

Effective teamwork requires clear communication, mutual trust, and shared responsibility
Leadership can be shown through encouragement, safety awareness, and helping others succeed
Problem-solving improves when teams discuss strategies before attempting challenges
Individual skills develop faster with supportive team guidance and feedback
Physical challenges become mental challenges when teams work together effectively

Common Misconceptions

Correction: Teamwork isn't just about being loud - quiet support and listening are equally important
Correction: Speed isn't everything - safe, coordinated movement often produces better results
Correction: Leadership doesn't mean giving orders - it means helping everyone contribute their best
Correction: Cave navigation isn't about strength - it's about technique and body control
Correction: Winning challenges isn't about individual heroes - it's about team coordination

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clear role definitions, frequent positive feedback, movement breaks between challenges

dyspraxia

Simplified cave layouts, extended practice time, step-by-step instruction breaking down complex movements

autism spectrum

Clear structure and routine, advance warning of challenge changes, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Enhanced verbal descriptions, tactile exploration of equipment, buddy support system

hearing impairment

Visual signals and demonstrations, written instruction cards, clear sight lines for lip reading

physical disability

Modified cave heights, alternative roles such as timekeeper or safety observer, adapted equipment

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Clear communication skills, giving instructions, active listening, descriptive language

Maths

Timing challenges, measuring distances, calculating team efficiency, spatial awareness

Science

Forces and motion in confined spaces, friction and movement, sound and communication

PSHE

Trust building, responsibility for others, leadership qualities, emotional regulation under pressure

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear view of all teams, mobile during challenges to provide close supervision

Observation Focus

Team communication quality, individual confidence levels, equipment stability, safety compliance

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for safety concerns, provide encouragement for struggling students, facilitate team problem-solving

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: All activities personally before students attempt, show clear technique and communication examples

Verbal Cues

•'Safety first, speed second!'
•'Clear communication helps everyone succeed!'
•'Trust your team and trust yourself!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full sports hall minimum 30m x 20m with clear sight lines throughout

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from obstacles, adequate impact absorption for cave activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Gym mats checked for tears or damage
•Benches stable with no loose parts
•Blindfolds clean and comfortable
•Cave structures tested for stability before use

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Claustrophobia or panic in confined spaces
•Collisions during cave navigation
•Equipment collapse or structural failure
•Overexcitement leading to unsafe behaviour

Risk Mitigation

•Clear opt-out procedures for claustrophobic students
•Controlled navigation speeds with constant supervision
•Thorough equipment checks before each challenge
•Immediate stop signals and emergency procedures

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all cave structures
•Mobile supervision during complex challenges
•Clear communication with all teams simultaneously

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid, clear evacuation routes maintained