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Big Question

How can we use our observation skills and fitness to successfully complete challenges under time pressure?

Learning Objectives

  • To develop sprint speed and control under pressure
  • To work collaboratively in pairs/small groups to solve problems
  • To identify objects accurately from written descriptions

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate improved sprint technique and pacing
  • Students will successfully complete scavenger hunt challenges through effective teamwork
  • Students will accurately identify objects using descriptive language skills

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones
20

Mark two large circles and team seating areas

Alternative: Markers, mats for boundaries

Cards
10 sets

Hide around designated area before lesson

Alternative: Laminated cards, clipboards with questions

Score Sheets
1 per team

One per pair/group with space for 10 answers

Alternative: Whiteboards, paper and pencils

Mats
8

Team seating positions facing outward from circle

Alternative: Marked spots, hoops

Stopwatch
1

For timing sprint activities and bonus challenges

Alternative: Phone timer, countdown timer

Key Vocabulary

Sprint start

A fast explosive start from a stationary position

Control

Maintaining good technique and decision-making under pressure

Scavenger hunt

A game where participants search for specific items using clues

Descriptive language

Words that help paint a picture of what something looks like

Collaboration

Working together effectively to achieve a common goal

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic running techniques
  • Simple teamwork skills
  • Following basic instructions

Current Skills

  • Sprint technique under pressure
  • Collaborative problem-solving
  • Descriptive language interpretation

Next Steps

  • Orienteering with map reading
  • Complex problem-solving challenges
  • Leadership in outdoor activities

Milestone Indicators

1
Maintains form during sprint starts
2
Communicates effectively with partners
3
Shows persistence when challenges are difficult

Key Teaching Points

  • Maintain controlled sprint technique even under competitive pressure
  • Encourage systematic problem-solving approaches to clue interpretation
  • Emphasise collaboration and communication within teams
  • Promote fair play and respect for other teams throughout activities
  • Celebrate effort and improvement alongside achievement
  • Connect physical activity with cognitive challenges effectively
  • Build resilience when clues are challenging or unclear

Common Misconceptions

  • Speed is more important than accuracy - emphasise both are equally valued
  • Individual performance matters more than team success - highlight collaborative achievements
  • Difficult clues mean failure - teach that persistence and discussion lead to solutions
  • Competition means winning at any cost - reinforce fair play and sportsmanship values
  • OAA activities are just games - explain the skill development and learning objectives

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Short activity bursts, clear transitions, regular movement breaks, immediate positive feedback
dyspraxia
  • Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, clear step-by-step instructions, movement guides available
autism spectrum
  • Clear structure and routine, visual schedule of activities, quiet reflection time, defined boundaries
visual impairment
  • Use bright coloured equipment, provide audio descriptions of clues, buddy system with sighted partner
hearing impairment
  • Visual demonstrations of all activities, written instruction cards, clear visual signals for start/stop
physical disability
  • Adapted movement options (wheelchair racing), modified search areas at accessible height, team roles based on abilities

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Reading comprehension through clue interpretation, descriptive language understanding, vocabulary development

Science

Understanding of forces during sprinting, observation and recording skills, systematic investigation

Geography

Basic orienteering skills, understanding of space and location, following directions

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration, perseverance and resilience, celebrating others' achievements

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter to observe all teams, central position for instruction delivery

Observation Focus

Sprint technique, team collaboration, fair play, effort and persistence

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe running, poor sportsmanship, or teams struggling significantly

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate sprint starts and searching techniques clearly, emphasise safety and fair play consistently

Verbal Cues
  • •'Drive with your arms!'
  • •'Work together on this!'
  • •'Think about the clue words!'
  • •'Well done for not giving up!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area minimum 40m x 30m, or indoor hall with adequate space

Surface Check

Even surface free from holes, wet patches, or debris that could cause slips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • •Check all cones are stable and visible
  • •Ensure scavenger cards are securely hidden but safely accessible
  • •Verify mats are flat and non-slip

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • •Collisions between running students
  • •Trips and falls during sprinting
  • •Overexertion during competitive activities
  • •Conflicts between teams during competitive elements
Risk Mitigation
  • •Clear running lanes marked with cones
  • •Staggered starts to prevent clustering
  • •Adequate rest periods between high-intensity activities
  • •Emphasis on fair play and sportsmanship

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • •Position to observe all sprint activities
  • •Monitor search area for safe access to hiding spots
  • •Watch for signs of overexertion or distress
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury/situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school emergency procedures if required