Lesson 3 - Point and Return Navigation
Strategic Navigation and Collaborative Orienteering
•Year 5
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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What makes an effective team when navigating outdoors and how can we use maps to work together successfully?
Learning 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
- To develop teamwork and communication skills whilst problem-solving outdoors
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to orientate a map using compass directions
- Students will successfully locate and navigate to marked points using map reading skills
- Students will demonstrate effective teamwork and communication during outdoor challenges
Equipment & Resources Required
Pre-mark orienteering points on maps, laminate for durability
Alternative: Hand-drawn simple maps, aerial photos of school grounds
Different colours for different point values if using scoring system
Alternative: Bean bags, hoops, laminated letters
Attach pencils with string to prevent loss
Alternative: Hard-backed books, writing boards
For time signals and emergency recall
Alternative: Bell, timer with alarm
Place at each orienteering point for students to record evidence
Alternative: Laminated symbols, QR codes, pictures
Key Vocabulary
To position a map so that it matches the real world direction you are facing
Finding your way from one place to another using a map or compass
The eight main directions: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW
The starting point or safe meeting place for orienteering activities
A specific location marked on the map that teams need to find
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of maps and symbols
- Knowledge of compass directions (NSEW)
- Experience working in pairs and small groups
Current Skills
- Map orientation techniques
- Point-to-point navigation skills
- Teamwork and communication in outdoor settings
Next Steps
- Multi-point navigation courses
- Time-based orienteering challenges
- Independent route planning
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always orientate the map before beginning navigation - 'Make North point North'
- Encourage genuine teamwork where both partners contribute to decisions
- Use landmarks and features, not just following paths blindly
- Plan your route before setting off - think, then move
- Safety comes first - stay within boundaries and work with your partner
- Celebrate effort and improvement, not just successful checkpoint finding
- Connect orienteering skills to real-world navigation and problem-solving
Common Misconceptions
- Maps only work when held 'right way up' - teach flexible orientation
- Fastest route is always the shortest - discuss terrain and obstacles
- Individual speed matters more than teamwork - emphasise cooperation
- Getting lost means failure - frame as learning opportunity
- Maps are only useful for orienteering - connect to everyday navigation
- Only one person needs to read the map - ensure both partners engage
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries and expectations, fidget tools during reflection, movement breaks as needed
dyspraxia
- Simplified maps with fewer details, extra time for navigation, physical support with map handling, clear step-by-step instructions
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedules, predictable routines, quiet spaces for breaks, reduced group sizes for comfort
visual impairment
- Large print maps, tactile markers at checkpoints, audio descriptions of landmarks, buddy system with sighted partner
hearing impairment
- Visual signals for timing, written instructions on clipboards, clear visual demonstrations of navigation techniques
physical disability
- Adapted checkpoints accessible by wheelchair, shorter distances, alternative recording methods, motorised mobility support
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Using coordinates and grid references, measuring distances on maps, calculating scores and time
Science
Forces in movement, understanding magnetic north, weather awareness for outdoor activities
Geography
Understanding maps, symbols, and scale, developing spatial awareness and direction skills
PSHE
Teamwork, communication, leadership, resilience when facing challenges, responsibility for others' safety
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between central base and course perimeter to maintain oversight of all pairs
Observation Focus
Watch for effective teamwork, map reading accuracy, and safety awareness
Intervention Points
Step in when pairs appear lost, unsafe, or experiencing communication difficulties
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated gestures for map orientation, walk through navigation examples slowly
Verbal Cues
- •'Remember to orientate your map first!'
- •'Work together - two heads are better than one!'
- •'What landmarks can help you navigate?'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large outdoor area minimum 50m x 50m, clear sight lines for supervision
Surface Check
Check for holes, wet patches, obstacles, and ensure safe boundaries are clearly marked
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check cones are stable and visible
- •Ensure maps are laminated and have no sharp edges
- •Verify clipboards are in good condition
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Students getting lost or separated from partners
- •Trips and falls on uneven outdoor surfaces
- •Students leaving designated boundary areas
- •Weather exposure during extended outdoor activity
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundary establishment and enforcement
- •Partner system ensuring no student works alone
- •Adult supervision positioned at key points
- •Emergency whistle signals for immediate recall
- •Weather-appropriate clothing and timing
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position adults near boundary edges and potential hazards
- •Maintain visual contact with all student pairs
- •Have roaming supervision across activity area
Emergency Procedures
Whistle signal for immediate return to base, first aid kit accessible, clear communication with school office