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Lesson 6 - Advanced Relay Orienteering

From Team Challenges to Tactical Orienteering

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Year 9

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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Big Question

How can effective communication and tactical planning transform individual navigation skills into powerful team performance?

Learning Objectives

To develop advanced orienteering skills through team-based relay challenges
To demonstrate tactical awareness and communication in competitive orienteering scenarios
To evaluate and improve team performance through reflection and strategy refinement

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully complete relay orienteering courses using advanced navigation techniques
Teams will demonstrate effective communication and tactical decision-making under time pressure
Students will analyse their performance and identify strategies for improvement in future orienteering activities

Equipment & Resources Required

Maps

1 master map, 1 per team (8-10 teams)

Protected in plastic wallets, clearly marked with course information

Alternative: Laminated maps, digital maps on tablets

Sun Markers

10-15 flags with unique country identifiers

Orange and white orienteering flags positioned according to master map

Alternative: QR codes, written clues, photo checkpoints

Scorecards

1 per team (8-10 cards)

Pre-printed with control point numbers and country name spaces

Alternative: Digital recording sheets, mobile apps

Pencils

2 per team (backup essential)

Attached to scorecards with string to prevent loss

Alternative: Waterproof pens, digital stylus

Cones

20-30 cones for warm-up matrix

Arranged in 5x6 grid pattern with 5m spacing

Alternative: Markers, sports equipment, natural features

Stopwatch

1 for teacher timing

For monitoring relay completion times and activity durations

Alternative: Mobile phone timer, multiple stopwatches

Key Vocabulary

Map orientation

Aligning the map so that it matches the direction you are facing in the real world

Control point

A specific location marked on the map where orienteers must visit and record their presence

Relay tactics

Strategic decisions about route choice, team member selection, and timing in relay competitions

Attack point

A clearly identifiable feature near the control point from which the final approach is made

Leg

Each individual section of the relay course that one team member completes

Navigation memory

The ability to memorise map details and route plans before leaving the map

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic map reading and symbol recognition
Individual orienteering navigation skills
Understanding of compass bearings and basic route planning

Current Skills

Advanced relay orienteering techniques
Team communication and tactical planning
Map memory and efficient navigation strategies

Next Steps

Multi-day orienteering expeditions
Leadership roles in outdoor education
Advanced wilderness navigation and survival skills

Milestone Indicators

Confident map orientation in any terrain

Effective verbal and non-verbal team communication

Strategic thinking under competitive pressure

Key Teaching Points

Map orientation is the foundation of all successful navigation - always orient before memorising
Effective communication between team members is crucial for relay success - practice clear, specific language
Tactical thinking involves matching team members' strengths to course demands - plan strategically
Accuracy in navigation is more important than speed - mistakes cost more time than careful technique
Resilience and positive team dynamics maintain performance under competitive pressure
Memory navigation requires focus on key features, not excessive detail - identify the essentials
Continuous adaptation and learning from experience leads to improved performance over time

Common Misconceptions

Thinking that speed is more important than accuracy in navigation - emphasise technique first
Believing that the fastest runner should always go first in relay - match abilities to course demands
Assuming that memorising every map detail is necessary - focus on key navigational features only
Thinking that individual performance matters more than team coordination - emphasise collaborative success
Believing that getting lost is failure - frame it as learning opportunity and problem-solving challenge

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clearly defined tasks with regular check-ins, movement breaks built into activities, simplified tactical focus points

dyspraxia

Enhanced spatial awareness activities, additional practice time for navigation skills, simplified route choices, supportive team partnerships

autism spectrum

Predictable routines and clear structure, quiet reflection spaces available, visual schedule of activities, reduced sensory overload

visual impairment

Large print maps with high contrast, tactile map features, buddy navigation system, audio descriptions of course layout

hearing impairment

Visual communication signals, written instruction cards, clear visual demonstrations, vibrating timer for alerts

physical disability

Modified course distances, alternative navigation methods, wheelchair-accessible routes, adapted equipment for recording

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Distance estimation and measurement, timing and data recording, statistical analysis of performance results, problem-solving strategies

Science

Understanding of forces and motion in navigation, weather impact on outdoor activities, human body response to exercise and endurance

Geography

Map reading skills, understanding of scale and symbols, spatial awareness and location knowledge, compass work and direction

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration skills, leadership development, resilience building, communication and trust-building exercises

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position for maximum course visibility, move between key control points during competition, maintain central base for coordination

Observation Focus

Monitor navigation accuracy, team communication effectiveness, safety compliance and tactical development throughout activities

Intervention Points

Support struggling teams with navigation guidance, ensure safety protocols followed, encourage positive team dynamics

Demonstration Notes

Show map orientation technique clearly, demonstrate efficient handover procedures, model tactical thinking processes visually

Verbal Cues

•'Orient your map first!'
•'Communicate clearly with your team!'
•'Accuracy before speed!'
•'Champions adapt their tactics!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area minimum 100m x 100m, clearly defined boundaries, varied terrain suitable for orienteering

Surface Check

Even ground checked for holes, obstacles or hazards, suitable for running, clearly marked boundaries

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Control flags securely positioned and visible, no sharp edges on mounting equipment
•Maps in protective covers to prevent damage, pencils secured to prevent loss
•Emergency whistle with teacher, first aid kit readily accessible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Students becoming lost or separated from group during navigation
•Injuries from running on uneven ground or collision with obstacles
•Weather-related risks including hypothermia or heat exhaustion

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established with return protocols, emergency procedures explained
•Course design avoids hazardous areas, teacher supervision points identified
•Weather monitoring with indoor alternative available, appropriate clothing requirements

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Teacher positioned for maximum course visibility with mobile supervision
•Emergency procedures clearly communicated to all participants
•Regular headcounts and team check-ins during extended activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately on whistle signal, students return to base immediately, appropriate first aid response and emergency contact protocols