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Lesson 5 - Advanced Orienteering Skills

Trust & Team Navigation

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Year 6

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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Big Question

How can we use map reading skills and teamwork to navigate efficiently under time pressure?

Learning Objectives

To work quickly and effectively against the clock using orienteering skills
To use map reading and ordnance survey symbols to navigate accurately
To collaborate effectively as a team to solve navigation challenges

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate efficient time management during orienteering challenges
Students will accurately identify and use ordnance survey symbols for navigation
Students will work collaboratively to solve complex navigation problems

Equipment & Resources Required

Cards

12-15 laminated cards

Number each card clearly and place around perimeter

Alternative: Printed OS symbol sheets in plastic wallets

Photographs

12-15 laminated photos

Take photos in advance showing clear landmarks

Alternative: Hand-drawn location sketches

Maps

1 per group (8 maps)

Mark control points with clear letters A-L

Alternative: Hand-drawn area maps

Hoops

8 hoops (1 per group)

Different colours for easy team identification

Alternative: Long ropes or team bands

Cones

12 markers

Place securely at mapped locations

Alternative: Laminated cards attached to cones

Stopwatch

2-3 stopwatches

For timing activities and challenges

Alternative: Mobile phone timers

Key Vocabulary

Ordnance Survey

The national mapping agency for Great Britain, producing detailed maps with standardised symbols

Control Point

A marked location on an orienteering course that participants must find and visit

Orienteering

A sport involving navigation using a map and compass to find control points

Navigation

The process of accurately determining your position and planning a route

Route Planning

Deciding the best path between control points considering terrain and obstacles

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of maps and directions
Experience with simple treasure hunt activities
Knowledge of compass directions

Current Skills

Reading and interpreting ordnance survey symbols
Working effectively under time pressure
Collaborative problem-solving in navigation

Next Steps

Advanced compass work and bearing taking
Multi-stage orienteering competitions
Creating their own orienteering courses

Milestone Indicators

Confidently identifies 8+ ordnance survey symbols

Completes orienteering challenges within set time limits

Demonstrates clear communication during team navigation

Key Teaching Points

Always orient the map to match the real environment before starting navigation
Emphasise that teamwork and communication are more important than speed
Encourage systematic approach to symbol identification using elimination
Promote strategic thinking about route choice and efficiency
Reinforce that observation skills are crucial for successful orienteering
Link map symbols to real-world features to aid understanding
Celebrate effort and improvement, not just successful completion

Common Misconceptions

Students may think orienteering is just about running fast rather than navigation accuracy
Some may believe maps are difficult to read when they just need proper orientation
Teams might think splitting up is more efficient than staying together
Students may assume all symbols are pictures when many are abstract representations
Some may think finding controls is about luck rather than systematic map reading
Teams might focus on competition rather than skill development and cooperation

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear physical boundaries, regular movement breaks, specific roles within team

dyspraxia

Simplified maps with fewer details, extra practice time, partner support for coordination, modified equipment

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, designated quiet zones, predictable routines and expectations

visual impairment

Large print maps and symbols, verbal descriptions of locations, buddy system with sighted partner

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all instructions, written route cards, clear hand signals for communication

physical disability

Adapted routes with wheelchair access, modified team roles, alternative to hoop holding

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Scale and proportion in map reading, calculating distances and times, using coordinates and grid references

Science

Forces and motion during movement, understanding of magnetism in compass work, observation and recording skills

Geography

Understanding of maps, symbols, and navigation, spatial awareness and direction, environmental features

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, leadership skills and communication

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with good visibility of all areas being used, mobile to support teams as needed

Observation Focus

Watch for accurate map reading, effective team communication, safe movement with hoops, strategic thinking

Intervention Points

Step in if teams struggling with map orientation, unsafe movement, or breakdown in cooperation

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Map orientation technique, coordinated team movement with hoop, route planning on map

Verbal Cues

•'Check your map orientation!'
•'Work together - discuss before moving!'
•'Think about the most efficient route!'
•'Stay connected to your hoop!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area covering school grounds, minimum 50m x 50m with varied terrain and features

Surface Check

Check all routes and control locations for hazards, ensure surfaces are safe for jogging

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Ensure hoops are in good condition with no sharp edges
•Check laminated cards are securely attached and won't become litter
•Verify control markers are stable and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Students running into obstacles while focusing on maps
•Teams moving too fast while connected by hoops
•Collisions between teams at control points

Risk Mitigation

•Clear briefing on safe movement speeds
•Practice hoop movement before main activity
•Teacher positioned for good overview of all teams
•Clear boundaries established for activity area

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all team movements
•Monitor control points for safe approaches
•Check teams are managing hoop coordination safely

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if incident occurs, assess injuries, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other teams are safely managed