Outdoor and Adventure - Lesson 4

In the fourth lesson of the Year 6 Outdoor and Adventure series, students embark on an exciting journey to understand the basics of orienteering, a sport that combines navigation and racing. The learning objectives are clear: pupils should be able to recognise and match map symbols, comprehend the essentials of orienteering, and correctly utilise orienteering equipment. Success is measured by their ability to match name cards to map symbols, their knowledge of orienteering activities, and their adeptness with the equipment. This lesson is not just about physical agility but also about sharpening the mind to recognise symbols, maps, and the concept of orienteering, fostering teamwork, and mastering the techniques of punching and using control cards.

The lesson is structured to include a warm-up, main activities, and a cool-down phase, each designed to enhance both the physical and cognitive skills associated with orienteering. Initially, pupils are divided into teams and engage in a symbol matching exercise to familiarise themselves with map keys. This is followed by an orienteering obstacle course and a punching relay, where pupils navigate a course and use control cards at various markers, simulating real orienteering challenges. The lesson concludes with a review of the map symbols, reinforcing the day's learning. Through these interactive activities, pupils not only enjoy the thrill of the race but also develop essential skills such as memory recall, quick decision-making, effective communication, and teamwork, all of which are crucial for successful orienteering.