Lesson 5 - Advanced Orienteering Skills
Trust & Team Navigation
•Year 6
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
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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
Number each card clearly and place around perimeter
Alternative: Printed OS symbol sheets in plastic wallets
Take photos in advance showing clear landmarks
Alternative: Hand-drawn location sketches
Mark control points with clear letters A-L
Alternative: Hand-drawn area maps
Different colours for easy team identification
Alternative: Long ropes or team bands
Place securely at mapped locations
Alternative: Laminated cards attached to cones
For timing activities and challenges
Alternative: Mobile phone timers
Key Vocabulary
The national mapping agency for Great Britain, producing detailed maps with standardised symbols
A marked location on an orienteering course that participants must find and visit
A sport involving navigation using a map and compass to find control points
The process of accurately determining your position and planning a route
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
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