This unit develops Year 4 students' ability to navigate their environment using compass points and map symbols whilst building essential teamwork and problem-solving skills. Through progressive outdoor challenges, students learn to stay calm under pressure, communicate effectively, and make decisions collaboratively. The unit uniquely combines technical navigation skills with the development of resilience and strategic thinking in authentic outdoor contexts.

Lessons in This Unit

6 lessons in this unit

Lesson 1

Collaborative Problem Solving
45 min

Big Question:

How can we work together effectively to overcome physical challenges?

Key Objectives:

  • Perform collaborative tasks as part of a group to complete problem-solving challenges
  • Suggest creative ways to solve physical problems using available resources

Lesson 2

Compass Points and Team Navigation
45 min

Big Question:

How can we use compass points and teamwork to navigate challenges when we can't see?

Key Objectives:

  • Recognise and locate the four main compass points (North, South, East, West)
  • Operate effectively as part of a team to solve navigation problems

Lesson 3

Using Compass Points for Navigation
1h

Big Question:

How can we use compass points to navigate accurately through our environment like real explorers?

Key Objectives:

  • Explain what a compass is and identify cardinal and intercardinal points
  • Describe how a compass can be used for navigation and orienteering

Lesson 4

Sprint Orienteering Skills
1h

Big Question:

How can we stay calm and think clearly when working under time pressure?

Key Objectives:

  • To perform effectively under time pressures whilst maintaining accuracy
  • To refine problem-solving skills using clues and general knowledge

Lesson 5

Map Reading and Navigation
45 min

Big Question:

How can we use maps effectively to navigate and work together to solve problems?

Key Objectives:

  • Use a map to follow a course accurately
  • Work cooperatively with a partner to achieve shared goals

Lesson 6

Map Symbols & Orienteering
1h

Big Question:

How can understanding map symbols help us navigate and explore our world safely?

Key Objectives:

  • Recognise and recall common map symbols accurately
  • Apply map reading skills in practical orienteering activities