Lesson 3 - Planning and Performing Under Pressure
Mastering Team Communication and Strategic Collaboration
•Year 6
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can working together as a team and making clear plans help us perform better under pressure?
Learning Objectives
- To develop the ability to perform calmly under pressure in team situations
- To create and implement effective team plans and strategies
- To evaluate team performance and identify areas for improvement
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate calm performance under competitive pressure
- Students will show effective planning and strategic thinking in team challenges
- Students will evaluate their team's performance and suggest improvements
Equipment & Resources Required
Ensure each team has a different colour
Alternative: Bean bags, coloured cones, or laminated cards
Arrange in 3x3 grids for each team pair
Alternative: Chalk circles, tape squares, or small mats
One suit per team, placed face down
Alternative: Number cards 1-13, or laminated number sheets
Must be large enough for students to stand on safely
Alternative: Large cardboard sheets, carpet tiles, or towels
Place randomly under cones/spots for keypad activity
Alternative: Laminated number cards or sticky notes
Arrange in designated keypad areas
Alternative: Upturned containers, mats, or marked areas
Key Vocabulary
A plan of action designed to achieve a particular goal
To assess how well something worked and identify improvements
A challenging situation that tests your ability to perform
Communicating without speaking using gestures, signals, or body language
Arranging things in the order they happen in time
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of teamwork and cooperation
- Experience working in small groups
- Ability to follow simple instructions and rules
Current Skills
- Planning and strategic thinking under pressure
- Non-verbal communication techniques
- Team evaluation and reflection skills
Next Steps
- Leading team planning sessions independently
- Adapting strategies during activities
- Mentoring younger students in team challenges
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Planning and strategy significantly improve team performance under pressure
- Non-verbal communication requires practice and clear systems to be effective
- Evaluation and reflection lead to measurable improvement in subsequent attempts
- Calm performance under pressure is a skill that can be developed through practice
- Effective teamwork requires both leadership and supportive following skills
- Problem-solving strategies transfer from physical challenges to academic and life situations
- Resilience in the face of setbacks is essential for team success
Common Misconceptions
- Teams thinking that the fastest individual approach is better than coordinated team strategy
- Believing that louder communication is more effective than clear, purposeful signals
- Assuming that initial failure means the strategy is completely wrong rather than needing adjustment
- Thinking that pressure situations require rushed decisions rather than calm, thoughtful responses
- Misconception that planning takes too much time when immediate action feels more urgent
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear signals for attention
dyspraxia
- Allow extra planning time, provide step-by-step visual guides, offer larger equipment for easier handling
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, offer quiet planning spaces, use visual schedules for activity sequence
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of layout, assign sighted buddy for navigation
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals and demonstrations, provide written instructions, ensure face-to-face communication during planning
physical disability
- Adapt mat crossing to wheelchair accessible routes, modify relay distances, provide alternative communication methods
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication skills, listening and speaking in team discussions, vocabulary development
Maths
Chronological sequencing, pattern recognition in O's and X's grids, strategic spatial reasoning
Science
Forces and motion during mat movement, pressure concepts, cause and effect in strategy outcomes
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience and perseverance, leadership and responsibility
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central location with clear sight lines to all activity areas, mobile to provide support where needed
Observation Focus
Team communication effectiveness, strategic thinking development, performance under pressure
Intervention Points
Step in if teams become stuck in planning, if unsafe behaviour occurs, or if conflicts arise within teams
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements when showing non-verbal communication, model calm behaviour under pressure, demonstrate positive evaluation language
Verbal Cues
- •'Remember your plan!'
- •'How can you communicate without words?'
- •'Stay calm and think strategically!'
- •'What did you learn from that attempt?'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor hall minimum 20m x 15m, or outdoor playground area with suitable surface
Surface Check
Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles, adequate space around activity areas
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check gym mats for tears or damage before use
- •Ensure cones and spots are stable and won't tip over
- •Verify hoops are in good condition with smooth edges
- •Cards and papers should be laminated to prevent tearing
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during relay running
- •Slips and falls during mat crossing
- •Overexcitement leading to unsafe behaviour
- •Frustration during challenging activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and running lanes established
- •Adequate supervision during all movement activities
- •Progressive introduction of challenges to build confidence
- •Regular reminders about safe movement and listening
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all teams simultaneously during challenges
- •Monitor for safe mat use during swamp crossing
- •Watch for signs of frustration or conflict within teams
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if unsafe behaviour observed, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid, have clear evacuation route identified