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Lesson 4 - Integrating Teamwork & Communication

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 we combine all our skills to overcome complex challenges as an effective team?

Learning Objectives

To make decisions independently and volunteer input to a group context to help solve problems
To select and apply all previously learned skills to meet the demands of presented tasks
To evaluate decisions and choices made and suggest improvements to initial decisions

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate independent decision-making within team contexts
Students will successfully apply integrated skills across multiple challenge activities
Students will critically evaluate their performance and identify areas for improvement

Equipment & Resources Required

Stump Sets

Multiple sets (200+ letters)

Mixed in containers for each team station

Alternative: Letter cards, magnetic letters

Dice

6 large dice

One per challenge station

Alternative: Number cards, spinner wheels

Cricket Stumps

15 stumps

Available for tower building challenges

Alternative: Cones, markers, poles

Large Soft Balls

20 mixed balls

Different sizes for sticky ball challenge

Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls

Tyres

5 tyres

Clean tyres for Towers of Hanoi activity

Alternative: Hoops, large rings

Dish Cones

15 cones

Mark challenge boundaries and bases

Alternative: Markers, posts

Sticks

100 sticks

For construction challenges

Alternative: Straws, wooden dowels

Blu-Tack

10 packets

For joining materials in challenges

Alternative: Play-doh, modelling clay

Cards

3 sets

Laminated for durability

Alternative: Written numbers, dice

Score Sheets

6 sheets

One per team for tracking progress

Alternative: Mini whiteboards

Assessment Matrices

30 sheets

Individual assessment tracking

Alternative: Digital assessment app

Key Vocabulary

Communication

The exchange of information, ideas and feelings between team members

Verbal Communication

Using spoken words to convey messages clearly and concisely

Non-verbal Communication

Using body language, gestures and signals to communicate without words

Collaboration

Working together effectively towards a common goal

Evaluate

To assess and judge the effectiveness of actions and decisions

Trust

Confidence in teammates' abilities and commitment to support each other

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic communication skills and team roles
Understanding of problem-solving strategies
Experience with individual challenge activities
Knowledge of trust-building exercises

Current Skills

Integration of communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills
Independent decision-making within group contexts
Critical evaluation and reflection on performance
Leadership and followership skills

Next Steps

Leading expeditions and outdoor activities
Advanced risk assessment and management
Peer coaching and mentoring skills
Independent problem-solving in unfamiliar environments

Milestone Indicators

Voluntarily takes on leadership roles when appropriate

Demonstrates effective listening and responds to others' ideas

Shows resilience when initial strategies don't work

Provides constructive feedback to improve team performance

Key Teaching Points

Integration of skills is more powerful than using skills in isolation
Effective problem-solving requires listening, planning, and adapting
Leadership can be shared and doesn't always mean giving instructions
Communication includes both speaking clearly and listening actively
Resilience means learning from difficulties rather than avoiding them
Evaluation helps teams improve their performance over time
Trust within teams develops through consistent supportive behaviour

Common Misconceptions

That the fastest team is always the most successful - correct by emphasising process over speed
That one person should solve all problems - correct by insisting on collaborative decision-making
That making mistakes means failure - correct by celebrating learning from errors
That leadership means being the loudest - correct by modelling different leadership styles
That communication is only talking - correct by highlighting listening and non-verbal communication
That some people are just 'not good at teamwork' - correct by showing how skills can be developed

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, immediate feedback on problem-solving, variety of challenge types, movement between stations to maintain engagement

dyspraxia

Simplified equipment handling, focus on verbal contributions to problem-solving, allow extra processing time, partner support for complex manipulations

autism spectrum

Clear structure and timing for each activity, visual schedules for rotations, quiet reflection spaces available, consistent team groupings

visual impairment

Use high-contrast equipment, verbal descriptions of all challenge setups, buddy system for navigation, tactile markers for boundaries

hearing impairment

Visual instruction cards at each station, clear visual signals for rotations, written reflection prompts, peer support for communication

physical disability

Adapted challenges for different mobility levels, modified equipment where needed, focus on intellectual problem-solving contributions, ensure accessible positioning

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development, clear communication skills, giving instructions, listening and responding to others

Maths

Problem-solving strategies, logical thinking sequences, measurement in construction challenges, scoring and data recording

Science

Forces and structures in building challenges, cause and effect in problem-solving, observation and evaluation skills

Geography

Spatial awareness, planning and navigation between stations, understanding different perspectives

PSHE

Teamwork, leadership, dealing with challenges, self-evaluation, goal setting, supporting others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Mobile positioning allowing observation of all stations, central point during briefing and debrief, near active stations during rotations

Observation Focus

Watch for quality of communication, leadership rotation, problem-solving strategies, inclusive participation, safety awareness

Intervention Points

Step in if teams are struggling with communication, safety concerns arise, individuals are being excluded, or if challenges are too difficult/easy

Demonstration Notes

Model effective team communication, show how to give constructive feedback, demonstrate resilience when facing challenges, highlight examples of excellent teamwork as they occur

Verbal Cues

•'Remember to include everyone's ideas'
•'What's working well? What could you adjust?'
•'Great problem-solving thinking there!'
•'I can see your teamwork improving'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or outdoor area minimum 30m x 20m with clear sight lines between all challenge stations

Surface Check

Non-slip surface appropriate for movement between stations, clear of any obstacles or hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all balls are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure tyres are clean and have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify construction materials (lolly sticks, bluetack) are not damaged
•Check all targets and markers are securely positioned

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between teams during station rotations
•Projectile risks from thrown balls at Sticky Ball station
•Potential falls from unstable constructions
•Frustration leading to unsafe equipment use

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries marked between all challenge stations
•Designated safe throwing zones with clear sight lines
•Height restrictions on all building challenges
•Regular monitoring of team dynamics and frustration levels
•Clear stop signal established for immediate activity cessation

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all five challenge stations simultaneously
•Maintain mobile supervision during rotations
•Monitor Sticky Ball station closely during throwing activities
•Watch for unsafe behaviour during construction challenges

Emergency Procedures

Established stop signal (whistle/call), immediate assessment of any incidents, appropriate first aid response, clear evacuation route if needed