Lesson 4 - Navigation and Teamwork Challenges
Trust & Team Navigation
•Year 6
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use navigation skills and teamwork to overcome complex outdoor challenges?
Learning Objectives
- Navigate confidently using simple maps and reference points
- Demonstrate effective teamwork and communication in challenging situations
- Apply problem-solving skills to overcome group challenges
Key Outcomes
- Students will successfully navigate using maps with accuracy and confidence
- Students will communicate effectively and support teammates during challenges
- Students will demonstrate agility, balance, coordination and precision in outdoor activities
Equipment & Resources Required
Arrange in a grid pattern with clear spacing for navigation
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or playground equipment
Include clear cone positions and route markings
Alternative: Hand-drawn maps or laminated playground layouts
Place under cones with age-appropriate mathematical challenges
Alternative: Whiteboard markers to write on cones
Check for smooth edges and no sharp points
Alternative: Pool noodles cut in half lengthwise, or cardboard tubes
Ensure balls roll smoothly in guttering
Alternative: Tennis balls, ping pong balls, or small bean bags
Key Vocabulary
Finding your way from one place to another using maps and landmarks
The path or course taken to reach a destination
Positioning yourself correctly in relation to your surroundings
Exact and accurate movements or actions
Sharing information clearly and listening to others effectively
Working together smoothly and efficiently as a team
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of maps and directions
- Experience working in small groups
- Fundamental movement skills including running and balancing
Current Skills
- Map reading and navigation skills
- Advanced teamwork and communication
- Precision movement and problem-solving
Next Steps
- Complex route planning and orienteering
- Leadership roles in outdoor challenges
- Independent problem-solving in unfamiliar environments
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always orient maps to match the direction you're facing before starting navigation
- Effective teamwork requires clear communication and shared decision-making
- Precision activities demand controlled movements and patience over speed
- Problem-solving improves when teams discuss strategies before acting
- Navigation skills transfer to many real-life situations and other subjects
- Persistence and positive communication help teams overcome challenging tasks
- Self-assessment helps students understand their learning and set future goals
Common Misconceptions
- Maps should always be held with north at the top - teach orientation to surroundings instead
- Fastest teams are always the most successful - emphasise accuracy and teamwork over speed
- Mathematical challenges are separate from physical skills - show integration of mind and body
- Precision tasks are only about individual skill - highlight teamwork and communication requirements
- Navigation is only useful in PE - demonstrate cross-curricular applications and life skills
- Making mistakes means failure - reframe as learning opportunities and skill development
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Short activity bursts with clear objectives, regular position changes, hands-on equipment use, immediate feedback and praise
dyspraxia
- Simplified maps with clear symbols, additional practice time, larger equipment options, buddy support for coordination activities
autism spectrum
- Clear structure and routine, visual schedule of activities, quiet reflection space available, predictable partner arrangements
visual impairment
- Tactile maps with raised features, clear verbal descriptions, buddy system for navigation, audio cues for directions
hearing impairment
- Visual maps and signals, written instructions available, clear demonstration of all activities, sign language support if available
physical disability
- Modified routes with shorter distances, seated navigation options, adapted equipment for gutter ball, alternative precision challenges
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Mental calculations, problem-solving, spatial reasoning, map coordinates and grid references
Science
Forces and motion in ball transport, balance and coordination, teamwork as a system
Geography
Map reading skills, orientation, navigation, understanding of symbols and scale
PSHE
Teamwork, communication, leadership, resilience, supporting others
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position for navigation activities, mobile support during gutter ball challenge
Observation Focus
Navigation accuracy, team communication, precision and control in equipment use
Intervention Points
Step in when teams struggle with map orientation, safety concerns arise, or negative team dynamics develop
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for map orientation, model positive team communication, show precision techniques slowly
Verbal Cues
- •'Orient your map to match what you see!'
- •'Communicate your plan before you move!'
- •'Precision over speed!'
- •'Support your teammates!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large outdoor area minimum 30m x 40m or school hall, clear of obstacles and hazards
Surface Check
Dry, even surface suitable for running and precise movement activities
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Guttering pieces checked for smooth edges and no sharp points
- •Cones stable and positioned to avoid collision risks
- •Balls appropriate size for equipment and age group
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during chain tag and navigation activities
- •Trips and falls during running between stations
- •Equipment-related injuries from guttering or dropped balls
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and pathways established
- •Adequate spacing between teams and activities
- •Controlled pace in all running activities
- •Equipment checks before and during use
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all activity areas
- •Monitor high-movement activities closely
- •Check equipment handling and safety rules
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, apply appropriate first aid, contact support if needed