On all these things common sense is the key.
For general handling (GH) all the various T.O. and landing techniques should be taught and following, on each occasion, the student flies solo to consolidate. At the end of this circuit section the student will have accumulated 4-5 hours of solo. The point of the navigation syllabus is to teach navigation. It must be that the distance and duration covered during the lesson requires that a recognised technique is taught for the outcome to be successful. It is no good for each leg to be so short that the student can see ahead each turning point or just simply point and arrive ballistically. The student consolidates navigation by undertaking similar flights solo. By the end of this section the student will have completed a further 4-5 hours solo. Any remaining solo hours to complete the ten may be used later for skill test revision.
It may be that not all the circuit training and consolidation will have been completed, for various reasons, prior to navigation. Again common sense would underline the importance that all circuit skills are of a sufficient standard prior to solo navigation.
Common sense, common sense and common sense. A tick box is not required always.