Lesson 5 - Orienteering Skills and Map Reading
Navigation & Communication Skills
•Year 5
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use maps and symbols to navigate efficiently while working as a team under time pressure?
Learning Objectives
- To develop orienteering skills using ordnance survey symbols and maps
- To work collaboratively with partners and groups to solve navigation challenges
- To apply creative thinking and problem-solving under time constraints
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate accurate interpretation of ordnance survey symbols
- Students will show effective teamwork during timed navigation challenges
- Students will display creative problem-solving when locating controls and clues
Equipment & Resources Required
Number each card and place around area perimeter before lesson
Alternative: Printed OS symbol sheets in plastic wallets
Take photos in advance and laminate for durability
Alternative: Hand-drawn pictures of school landmarks
Mark control points with letters A-P clearly
Alternative: Simple sketch maps of school area
Assign different colours to each team for identification
Alternative: Coloured bands or rope circles
Attach pencils with string to prevent loss
Alternative: Hard backing sheets
Key Vocabulary
The national mapping agency for Great Britain, producing detailed maps with standardised symbols
A specific point marked on an orienteering course that participants must find and visit
A sport where participants use a map and compass to navigate between specific points
A picture or sign used on maps to represent real features like buildings, paths, or landmarks
The process of finding your way from one place to another using maps and landmarks
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of maps and simple directions
- Experience working in small groups
- Ability to follow simple instructions
Current Skills
- Interpreting ordnance survey symbols
- Using maps for navigation
- Working collaboratively under time pressure
- Creative problem-solving in outdoor environments
Next Steps
- Advanced compass work and bearing-taking
- Creating their own orienteering courses
- Leadership roles in outdoor challenges
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Map reading requires careful observation and team discussion before movement
- Effective communication is essential when physically connected as a team
- Navigation efficiency improves with planning and route selection
- Competitive challenges require balance of speed, safety and teamwork
- Problem-solving strategies include elimination, discussion and systematic searching
- Ordnance survey symbols represent real features and require careful interpretation
- Working under time pressure tests both individual skills and team cooperation
Common Misconceptions
- Students think speed is more important than accuracy in navigation - emphasise careful observation
- Teams believe splitting up will be faster - reinforce that staying together develops better communication
- Students assume maps are too difficult to read - break down into simple symbol recognition first
- Teams think competition means abandoning teamwork - emphasise that best teams work together under pressure
- Students believe only one person needs to understand the map - ensure all team members engage with navigation
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries and rules, regular check-ins, visual cues for staying on task, leadership roles to maintain engagement
dyspraxia
- Simplified equipment handling, clear route markings, extra processing time, partner support for coordination challenges, celebrate effort over speed
autism spectrum
- Clear structure and routine, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, predictable control locations, reduced sensory overload
visual impairment
- Use high contrast maps and symbols, provide tactile markers at control points, buddy system with sighted partners, verbal descriptions of photo clues
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstration of all instructions, written route cards, clear visual signals for start/stop, team leader to ensure communication within group
physical disability
- Adapted movement expectations, wheelchair accessible routes, modified equipment holding arrangements, focus on map reading and directing others
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication skills, giving clear instructions, reporting back with accurate information
Science
Observation skills, hypothesis testing when locating controls, systematic problem-solving approaches
Geography
Map reading skills, understanding symbols and legends, spatial awareness and navigation techniques
Mathematics
Scale and distance concepts, coordinate systems, timing and measurement during challenges
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills, resilience when facing navigation challenges, celebrating others' success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central location with clear sight lines to all navigation areas, move as needed to support struggling teams while maintaining overall supervision
Observation Focus
Watch for effective team communication, accurate map reading, safe movement practices, and positive competitive behaviour
Intervention Points
Step in if teams become separated, provide hints for struggling navigation, ensure safety rules maintained during competitive elements
Demonstration Notes
Show clear map reading techniques, demonstrate teamwork through hoop connection, model problem-solving approaches when teams struggle
Verbal Cues
- •'Study the map together before you move!'
- •'Keep that teamwork communication going!'
- •'Safety first, competition second!'
- •'Use your map reading skills - what do you notice?'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large outdoor area minimum 50m x 50m with varied terrain and features, or indoor space with obstacles and clear boundaries
Surface Check
Even surfaces free from hazards, check photo locations are safe and accessible, ensure control points are secure
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check laminated cards are securely placed and won't blow away
- •Ensure hoops are appropriate size for 4 students to hold comfortably
- •Verify clipboards have no sharp edges or loose parts
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during competitive running
- •Trips and falls while navigating unfamiliar terrain
- •Teams becoming separated or lost
- •Competitive pressure leading to unsafe behaviour
Risk Mitigation
- •Clearly defined boundaries for navigation area
- •Emphasise safe movement while maintaining team connection
- •Teacher positioned centrally for visibility of all teams
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex challenges
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of navigation area
- •Monitor competitive elements to maintain safety
- •Check teams maintain appropriate connection during hoop activities
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if anyone injured, first aid kit accessible, clear communication method to recall all teams, designated safe meeting point established