Lesson 1 - Communication and Tactical Decision Making
Strategic Communication and Collaborative Problem-Solving
•Year 6
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we work together strategically to overcome challenges and defeat opponents?
Learning Objectives
- To understand the characteristics of effective teamwork and collaboration
- To create and apply simple tactics in competitive situations
- To develop communication skills that support team success
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to identify and demonstrate effective team behaviours
- Students will create tactical strategies and adapt them based on opponents and game situations
- Students will communicate effectively to support team performance and problem-solving
Equipment & Resources Required
9 cones arranged in 3x3 grid pattern, all same colour per grid
Alternative: Markers, spots, or bean bags
Different colour for each team, used as playing pieces
Alternative: Bean bags, hoops, or coloured spots
For timing tactical discussion periods
Alternative: Phone timer or PE timer
For drawing tactical diagrams and keeping scores
Alternative: Large paper or tactical board
Key Vocabulary
Planned strategies and actions designed to achieve a specific goal or advantage
An overall plan of action designed to achieve long-term or overall aims
Working together effectively towards a common goal, sharing ideas and responsibilities
Changing your approach based on new information or changing circumstances
The clear exchange of information, ideas, and instructions between team members
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Understanding of basic team roles and cooperation
- Experience following simple rules in games
- Basic communication skills in group activities
Current Skills
- Creating and discussing tactical strategies
- Adapting tactics based on opponents and situations
- Leading and supporting team decision-making processes
Next Steps
- Complex multi-stage tactical planning
- Advanced leadership roles in team challenges
- Strategic thinking across different outdoor activities
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Tactics are planned strategies that require team cooperation and communication
- Effective teams listen to all members and make decisions together
- Good tactical thinking involves observing opponents and adapting strategies accordingly
- Communication is essential for tactical success - both verbal and non-verbal
- Strategic thinking skills transfer to many other areas of learning and life
- Team success depends on everyone contributing their ideas and supporting each other
- Adaptation and flexibility are key components of advanced tactical thinking
Common Misconceptions
- Believing tactics are only about individual skills rather than team coordination
- Thinking that tactics are cheating or unfair rather than legitimate strategic planning
- Assuming only team captains or leaders need to understand tactical thinking
- Confusing techniques (individual skills) with tactics (team strategies)
- Believing that tactics are too complex for primary age students to understand and apply
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter tactical discussion periods, clear physical boundaries, frequent positive reinforcement for focus
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement patterns, extra time for tactical planning, visual aids for strategic concepts
autism spectrum
- Clear structure with visual schedule, defined roles within teams, quiet space available for breaks if needed
visual impairment
- Use high-contrast coloured cones and markers, provide verbal descriptions of grid layouts, buddy system for navigation
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstration of all tactics and strategies, written instruction cards, clear visual signals for game start/stop
physical disability
- Adapted movement patterns or seated participation, modified grid sizes, alternative placement methods for cones
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Vocabulary development for tactical terms, persuasive communication in team discussions, clear instruction giving
Science
Logical thinking and hypothesis testing in tactical experiments, cause and effect relationships in strategic outcomes
PSHE
Leadership skills development, cooperation and mutual respect, resilience in competitive situations
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central location allowing visibility of all team activities, move strategically to monitor tactical discussions
Observation Focus
Quality of team communication, evidence of tactical thinking adaptation, inclusive team dynamics
Intervention Points
Step in when teams struggle with inclusive discussion or when tactical concepts need clarification
Demonstration Notes
Model tactical thinking by thinking aloud, demonstrate inclusive team discussion techniques, show strategic analysis examples
Verbal Cues
- •'What patterns do you notice in your opponent's play?'
- •'How can your team support each other better?'
- •'What would happen if you tried a different approach?'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 15m clear space, suitable for 4 separate grid stations with safe movement pathways
Surface Check
Dry, level surface free from obstacles, appropriate for running and quick direction changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all cones and markers are in good condition with no sharp edges
- •Ensure markers are visible and appropriately sized to prevent tripping
- •Verify adequate spacing between grids to prevent collisions
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students moving between grids
- •Tripping over markers or cones during gameplay
- •Competitive tension leading to unsafe behaviour
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear movement pathways established between all grid stations
- •Appropriate spacing between grids (minimum 3 metres)
- •Regular monitoring of competitive behaviour and sportsmanship
- •Clear rules about safe movement and respectful competition
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all 4 grid stations simultaneously
- •Circulate regularly to monitor both gameplay and team dynamics
- •Watch for signs of frustration or overly competitive behaviour
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately for any safety concerns, clear assessment of situation, appropriate first aid response and adult support as needed