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Lesson 6 - Orienteering Competition

Strategic Orienteering: Map Reading to Competitive Navigation

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Year 6

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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Big Question

How do effective teams navigate challenges and compete strategically while supporting each other?

Learning Objectives

To apply orienteering skills in a competitive team environment
To demonstrate effective teamwork and communication during navigation challenges
To evaluate performance and identify strategies for successful orienteering competition

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully navigate an orienteering course as part of a team competition
Students will demonstrate leadership, cooperation and time management skills
Students will analyse their performance and identify improvement strategies

Equipment & Resources Required

Maps

1 per pair (15 maps)

Maps should show current course with all control points marked

Alternative: School site maps with added control points

Compass

1 per pair (15 compasses)

Check all compasses are working correctly before lesson

Alternative: Phone compass apps as backup

Markers Cones

10-15 markers

Place at predetermined locations before lesson starts

Alternative: Laminated letters/numbers, coloured bibs

Cards

1 per pair (15 cards)

Pre-numbered cards for recording control visits

Alternative: Recording sheets, hole punches

Stopwatch

4-5 stopwatches

For timing course completion and penalty tracking

Alternative: Phone timers, large wall clock

Clipboards

1 per pair (15 clipboards)

Essential for stable map reading while moving

Alternative: Hard-backed books for map support

Pencils

1 per pair (15 pencils)

For marking routes and making notes on maps

Alternative: Waterproof pens

Key Vocabulary

Orienteering course

A series of checkpoints that must be visited in a specific order using map and compass navigation

Route planning

Deciding the best path between control points considering terrain, distance and time

Control point

A specific location marked on the map that teams must find and visit

Bearing

The compass direction from one point to another, measured in degrees

Handrail feature

A linear feature like a path, fence or stream that helps guide navigation

Attack point

An easily identifiable feature near the control from which to make the final approach

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Students can read basic map symbols and features
Students understand compass directions and can orientate a map
Students have experience working in pairs during orienteering activities

Current Skills

Applying orienteering skills under competitive pressure
Strategic route planning and time management
Leadership and team cooperation in challenging situations

Next Steps

Inter-school orienteering competitions
Advanced navigation techniques using contour lines
Leading orienteering activities for younger students

Milestone Indicators

Consistently orientates map correctly without prompting

Plans logical, efficient routes considering time constraints

Demonstrates leadership while maintaining team cooperation

Key Teaching Points

Map orientation is fundamental - emphasise this throughout the lesson
Partnership cooperation under pressure builds real-life teamwork skills
Strategic thinking and time management are as important as navigation accuracy
Competition should enhance learning, not create anxiety or negative pressure
Every student can succeed with appropriate challenge level and support
Safety protocols must be clear and consistently enforced
Reflection and analysis turn experience into lasting learning

Common Misconceptions

Orienteering is just about reading maps - actually requires strategic thinking, teamwork and time management
Fastest navigation always wins - strategic route planning often beats rushing
Competition must create winners and losers - focus on personal achievement and skill development
Controls must be visited in numerical order - route planning freedom is key to strategy
Getting lost means failure - problem-solving and adaptation are valuable learning experiences

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clear, frequent check-ins, shorter course options, movement breaks built into competition

dyspraxia

Simplified maps, extra practice time, partner support for equipment handling and navigation

autism spectrum

Detailed pre-activity explanation, clear structure and routine, quiet zones available for overwhelm

visual impairment

Large print maps, tactile control markers, buddy navigation system with detailed verbal descriptions

hearing impairment

Visual signals for instructions, written course information, clear visual boundary markers

physical disability

Modified course with accessible terrain, seated navigation activities, adapted timing allowances

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating scores, measuring distances on maps, working with compass bearings and angles

Science

Understanding magnetism and compass function, forces affecting movement over terrain

Geography

Map reading skills, understanding symbols and scale, spatial awareness and navigation

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills, resilience when facing challenges

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with good visibility of entire course and all control points

Observation Focus

Monitor navigation accuracy, partnership cooperation, and adherence to time limits

Intervention Points

Assist if pairs appear lost, distressed, or unsafe; encourage positive competition

Demonstration Notes

Model excellent map orientation, positive partnership communication, and strategic thinking throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Remember to orientate your map!'
•'Work together - two heads are better than one!'
•'Check your time - plan your return journey!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area minimum 100m x 100m, varied terrain preferred

Surface Check

Check for hazards like holes, obstacles, wet areas or dangerous terrain

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Ensure all compasses are functioning correctly
•Check maps are current and accurately represent terrain
•Verify control markers are securely placed and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Students becoming lost outside boundaries
•Injuries from rushing over uneven terrain
•Separation of partners during navigation
•Weather exposure during extended outdoor activity

Risk Mitigation

•Clear, well-marked boundaries established and reinforced
•Emergency whistle signals taught and practiced
•Regular visual contact maintained with all pairs
•Partner system ensures no student navigates alone
•Weather-appropriate clothing and hydration encouraged

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position teacher centrally with good overview of entire course
•Maintain line of sight with furthest control points
•Be prepared to assist pairs who appear lost or distressed

Emergency Procedures

Three whistle blasts signal immediate return to base, all pairs to stop activity and return directly