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Lesson 5 - Orienteering Skills and Map Reading

Navigation & Communication Skills

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Year 5

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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Big Question

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

Cards

Different sets for each group

Number each card and place around area perimeter before lesson

Alternative: Printed OS symbol sheets in plastic wallets

Photographs of School Features

12-15 laminated photos

Take photos in advance and laminate for durability

Alternative: Hand-drawn pictures of school landmarks

Maps

1 per group of 4 (8 maps)

Mark control points with letters A-P clearly

Alternative: Simple sketch maps of school area

Hoops

1 per group of 4 (8 hoops)

Assign different colours to each team for identification

Alternative: Coloured bands or rope circles

Clipboards

1 per group (8)

Attach pencils with string to prevent loss

Alternative: Hard backing sheets

Key Vocabulary

Ordnance Survey

The national mapping agency for Great Britain, producing detailed maps with standardised symbols

Control

A specific point marked on an orienteering course that participants must find and visit

Orienteering

A sport where participants use a map and compass to navigate between specific points

Symbol

A picture or sign used on maps to represent real features like buildings, paths, or landmarks

Navigation

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

Correctly identifies 8/10 ordnance survey symbols

Successfully completes all navigation challenges within time limits

Demonstrates clear communication and teamwork throughout

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