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Lesson 6 - Trust and Communication

Leadership & Navigation Skills

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Year 6

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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Big Question

How can trust and effective communication help us overcome challenges together?

Learning Objectives

To develop trust through collaborative problem-solving activities
To improve listening skills and ability to follow clear instructions
To enhance critical thinking when approaching team challenges

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate trust by participating safely in blindfold activities
Students will show improved communication skills through clear instruction giving
Students will apply critical thinking to solve complex team challenges

Equipment & Resources Required

Blindfolds

23 (1 per student plus spares)

Check all blindfolds are clean and comfortable before use

Alternative: Large fabric squares, bandanas, or sleep masks

Dish Cones

Use bright colours for clear visibility of boundaries

Alternative: Bean bags, hoops, or chalk marks

Balls

6 (1 per team for extension activity)

Different colours for each team if possible

Alternative: Small cones, tennis balls, or bean bags

Key Vocabulary

Trust

Confidence in the reliability and safety of your teammates

Communication

Sharing information clearly and listening actively to others

Critical thinking

Carefully analysing problems to find the best solutions

Strategy

A planned approach to achieving a goal or solving a problem

Collaboration

Working together effectively to achieve common goals

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of teamwork principles
Experience following simple instructions
Awareness of personal space and safety

Current Skills

Trust-building through physical challenges
Advanced communication and instruction-giving
Critical thinking in problem-solving contexts

Next Steps

Leadership roles in outdoor adventure activities
Complex multi-stage problem-solving challenges
Independent risk assessment skills

Milestone Indicators

Demonstrates trust by participating confidently in blindfold activities

Gives clear, specific instructions that others can follow

Suggests creative solutions to overcome obstacles

Key Teaching Points

Trust must be built gradually through positive experiences and consistent safety
Effective communication requires both clear sending and active listening
Problem-solving is enhanced when teams combine different perspectives and ideas
Leadership emerges through supporting others rather than dominating decisions
Collaboration skills transfer to academic and social situations beyond PE
Reflection deepens learning by connecting experiences to broader understanding
Safety awareness and emotional intelligence are essential for trust activities

Common Misconceptions

Trust means doing anything asked without question - actually means feeling safe with reasonable challenges
Good communication means talking loudly - actually means speaking clearly and listening actively
Leadership means being in charge - actually means helping everyone succeed together
Blindfold activities are just fun games - actually develop serious life skills like trust and communication
Teams should compete against each other - focus should be on collaborative problem-solving and mutual support

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear role definitions, movement breaks between reflections

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, visual demonstration supports

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule of activities, offer sensory break options, clear routine establishment

visual impairment

Use audio signals for boundaries, provide tactile markers for home area, buddy system with sighted guide

hearing impairment

Visual signals for instructions, written rule cards, sign language interpreter if available

physical disability

Wheelchair accessible routes, modified connection requirements, seated leadership roles

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Developing precise instructional language, active listening skills, articulating reflection responses

Maths

Measuring distances in cone challenge, counting body parts systematically, estimating and comparing distances

Science

Understanding how different senses compensate when one is restricted, exploring balance and spatial awareness

Geography

Using directional language and spatial concepts, understanding navigation principles

PSHE

Building trust and respect, developing empathy, understanding emotional responses to vulnerability

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move continuously around area edge to observe all groups, never leave blindfolded students unsupervised

Observation Focus

Monitor trust demonstrations, communication effectiveness, collaborative problem-solving, and emotional responses

Intervention Points

Step in if students show distress, if safety rules are broken, or if communication breaks down completely

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: All blindfold safety procedures, clear instruction giving, collaborative planning process

Verbal Cues

•'Slow movements only'
•'One voice per person'
•'Safety first, winning second'
•'Trust your team'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large clear area minimum 20m x 20m, completely free from obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, even surface suitable for blindfolded movement, no trip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all blindfolds are clean and comfortable
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or damage
•Test blindfolds don't restrict breathing

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between blindfolded students
•Falls due to loss of balance
•Anxiety or discomfort from blindfolding
•Unsafe stretching during cone challenge

Risk Mitigation

•Constant adult supervision during blindfold activities
•Clear boundaries established and maintained
•Slow movement pace enforced
•Immediate stop signal established
•Alternative for students uncomfortable with blindfolds

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all blindfolded students
•Move actively around space during navigation activities
•Monitor emotional responses to trust challenges

Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop call if collision risk observed, trained first aider present, clear path to exit maintained