Lesson 5 - Timed Orienteering Course Challenge
Strategic Orienteering: Map Reading to Competitive Navigation
•Year 6
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can effective teamwork and strategic planning lead to orienteering success?
Learning Objectives
- To challenge students to orientate a map and locate points in a set order within a time limit
- To develop strategic planning and time management skills in orienteering
- To strengthen collaboration and teamwork through pair work challenges
Key Outcomes
- Students will successfully navigate around an orienteering course using map orientation skills
- Students will demonstrate understanding of map symbols and their practical application
- Students will plan effective routes and manage time constraints during the challenge
Equipment & Resources Required
Laminated for weather protection and repeated use
Alternative: Photocopied site maps with control points marked
Place at varied distances and difficulties across the area
Alternative: Coloured cones, laminated cards, or distinctive objects
Set to countdown timer for the allocated time period
Alternative: Mobile phones with timer function
Include space for control numbers, times, and penalty tracking
Alternative: Small notebooks or laminated recording cards
For start, time warnings, and finish signals
Alternative: Bell or air horn for signals
To support map and score sheet during planning
Alternative: Hard-backed books for writing surface
Key Vocabulary
To position the map so it matches the direction you are facing on the ground
A specific location marked on the map that must be visited during orienteering
Deciding the order and path to visit control points most efficiently
Balancing speed with accuracy to maximise points within the time limit
The direction from one point to another, often using a compass
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic map orientation and compass use
- Understanding of simple map symbols
- Experience working in pairs for orienteering activities
Current Skills
- Strategic route planning under time pressure
- Advanced teamwork and communication during challenges
- Time management whilst maintaining navigation accuracy
Next Steps
- Multi-day orienteering expeditions
- Leadership roles in outdoor adventure activities
- Advanced navigation techniques using contour lines
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Strategic thinking in orienteering requires balancing distance, difficulty, and time constraints
- Effective partnership communication is essential for navigation success under pressure
- Map orientation must be consistent and frequent to maintain accurate navigation
- Time management becomes critical when working within fixed deadlines
- Route planning should always consider the return journey to base
- Resilience and adaptability are important when initial plans need adjustment
- Celebrating effort and strategy as much as final results builds confidence and learning
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking that speed alone will lead to success - strategic planning is more important
- Believing you must visit all controls - selective strategy often scores higher
- Assuming the shortest route is always fastest - terrain difficulty affects travel time
- Thinking navigation is only about reading maps - environmental awareness is equally important
- Believing that working independently is better - collaboration enhances decision-making
- Assuming penalties don't matter - being late can completely negate good navigation
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter time segments with regular check-ins, clear visual boundaries, fidget tools available during planning time, movement breaks built into lesson
dyspraxia
- Simplified maps with fewer details, physical guidance for map orientation, extra practice time, alternative recording methods for scores
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of lesson structure, designated quiet zones for breaks, consistent routine and signals, advance preparation with maps
visual impairment
- Large print maps with high contrast, buddy system with sighted partner, tactile markers at control points, audio descriptions of map features
hearing impairment
- Visual signals for start/stop/warnings, written instructions on cards, sign language support if available, vibrating timer devices
physical disability
- Adapted routes with wheelchair-accessible paths, modified control points at appropriate heights, extended time allowances, assistant support as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Time calculations for scoring, map scale understanding, coordinate systems, strategic problem-solving with multiple variables
Science
Forces and motion during movement, weather effects on outdoor activities, magnetic compass principles
Geography
Map reading skills, understanding of symbols and keys, spatial awareness, navigation concepts, environmental awareness
PSHE
Teamwork and collaboration skills, leadership development, resilience when facing challenges, responsibility for partner safety
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central elevated position during briefing, mobile patrol during activity with focus on boundary monitoring
Observation Focus
Watch for map orientation technique, partner communication quality, time management decisions, safety awareness
Intervention Points
Step in if pairs appear lost or distressed, support struggling partnerships, enforce boundary rules, assist with time management
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated map turning for visibility, show clear finger pointing between map and ground features, demonstrate partnership communication
Verbal Cues
- •'Remember to orient your map!'
- •'How much time do you have left?'
- •'Talk to your partner about the next control'
- •'Check your position against the map features'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large outdoor area minimum 80m x 60m with varied terrain and features
Surface Check
Check for holes, debris, slippery areas, and boundary hazards before lesson
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Ensure control markers are securely placed and visible
- •Check stopwatches are functioning correctly
- •Verify maps are up-to-date and boundaries clearly marked
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Students becoming lost or separated from partner
- •Time pressure leading to unsafe rushing or risk-taking
- •Trips and falls in outdoor terrain
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundary establishment with visible markers
- •Mandatory pair system - no students work alone
- •Regular visual monitoring of all pairs during activity
- •Emergency whistle signals established and practiced
- •Time warnings to prevent panic about deadline
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility across orienteering area
- •Mobile supervision during activity with focus on boundary areas
- •Clear sight lines to all pairs throughout challenge
Emergency Procedures
Stop signal immediately halts all activity, established procedures for lost students, first aid accessible, mobile phone for emergency contact