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This unit develops students' map reading skills and navigational confidence through progressively challenging orienteering tasks. By combining technical map skills with collaborative teamwork, students learn to navigate outdoor spaces strategically whilst building communication, decision-making and problem-solving capabilities. The unit creates authentic contexts where students must apply geographical understanding under time pressure and competitive conditions.

Lessons in This Unit

6 lessons in this unit

Lesson 1

Map Reading and Navigation Basics
1h

Big Question:

How can we use maps and teamwork to navigate successfully in outdoor adventures?

Key Objectives:

  • • To understand how to read a simple map and use a key correctly
  • • To develop teamwork and communication skills through collaborative orienteering tasks

Lesson 2

Cone Orienteering
45 min

Big Question:

How can we use maps and teamwork to navigate challenges together?

Key Objectives:

  • • To introduce and understand the concept of orienteering using maps
  • • To develop map reading skills including orientation and route following

Lesson 3

Point and Return Navigation
1h

Big Question:

What makes an effective team when navigating outdoors and how can we use maps to work together successfully?

Key Objectives:

  • • To orientate a map correctly and understand how to re-orientate from any position
  • • To locate specific points on a map and navigate to them successfully as a team

Lesson 4

Point to Point Navigation
1h

Big Question:

How can effective teamwork and map skills help us navigate successfully to reach our destination?

Key Objectives:

  • • To develop map orientation and navigation skills using compass points
  • • To work effectively in pairs to locate and navigate between points in sequence

Lesson 5

Timed Orienteering Course
1h

Big Question:

How can effective teamwork and strategic planning help us succeed in orienteering challenges?

Key Objectives:

  • • To successfully orientate a map and locate points in a strategic sequence
  • • To develop time management skills whilst navigating under pressure

Lesson 6

Orienteering Competition
1h

Big Question:

How can we work as an effective team to navigate successfully under competitive pressure?

Key Objectives:

  • • To apply orienteering skills in a competitive team format
  • • To demonstrate effective teamwork and communication during navigation challenges