Lesson 4 - Point to Point Navigation
Strategic Navigation and Collaborative Orienteering
•Year 5
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can effective teamwork and map skills help us navigate successfully to reach our destination?
Learning Objectives
- To develop map orientation and navigation skills using compass points
- To work effectively in pairs to locate and navigate between points in sequence
- To demonstrate leadership, cooperation and problem-solving skills in outdoor challenges
Key Outcomes
- Students will successfully orientate a map and navigate between marked points
- Students will work cooperatively in pairs to complete orienteering courses
- Students will demonstrate effective teamwork and communication skills
Equipment & Resources Required
Maps should show the activity area with clear boundaries marked
Alternative: Large playground maps, hand-drawn area maps
Placed at positions marked on the maps around the activity area
Alternative: Coloured cones, laminated numbers, PE equipment
Simple orienteering compasses suitable for children
Alternative: Large demonstration compass, playground compass markings
For students to record which points they have visited
Alternative: Clipboards with recording sheets, punch cards
For timing different courses and activities
Alternative: Mobile phone timers, large digital timer
Key Vocabulary
To position a map so that it matches the real landscape around you
A direction shown using compass points like North, South, East, West
Navigating from one marked location to another in a specific order
Finding your way from one place to another using a map
Deciding the best path to take between two points before you start
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of compass directions
- Experience working in pairs during PE activities
- Familiarity with simple maps and symbols
Current Skills
- Map orientation using compass bearings
- Sequential navigation between multiple points
- Advanced teamwork and leadership skills
Next Steps
- Independent route planning and navigation
- Complex multi-stage orienteering challenges
- Leading groups in outdoor activities
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Map orientation is the foundation of all successful navigation
- Effective partnership working requires communication and shared decision-making
- Route planning before movement leads to more efficient navigation
- Safety boundaries must be maintained at all times during orienteering
- Navigation accuracy is more important than speed in orienteering
- Team success comes from both partners contributing to navigation decisions
- Map symbols represent real features in the landscape around us
Common Misconceptions
- Maps don't need to be oriented - they work held any way up
- The fastest runner will always be the best orienteer
- You don't need to plan routes - just head straight for each point
- One person can do all the navigation while their partner just follows
- Compass directions are not important when you can see the markers
- Going out of bounds doesn't matter if you find the right points
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter courses initially, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, immediate feedback
dyspraxia
- Simplified maps with fewer details, extra practice time, physical support for map handling
autism spectrum
- Clear, structured routines, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed
visual impairment
- Use tactile maps with raised features, verbal descriptions of compass directions, buddy system with sighted partner
hearing impairment
- Visual signals for instructions, written course descriptions, clear visual demonstrations of techniques
physical disability
- Adapted maps suitable for wheelchair access, modified courses with accessible routes, peer support system
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Using coordinates, measuring distances on maps, working with compass bearings and angles
Science
Understanding magnetic north, earth's magnetic field, forces and direction
Geography
Map reading skills, understanding symbols and scale, using compass directions and orienteering
PSHE
Teamwork, leadership, resilience, responsibility and risk assessment
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Position centrally to observe all pairs, circulate regularly to provide support and encouragement
Observation Focus
Watch for map orientation technique, partnership cooperation, safety awareness and navigation accuracy
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggle with map orientation, partnership conflicts arise, or safety boundaries are compromised
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements when showing map orientation and compass directions for maximum visibility
Verbal Cues
- •'Keep your map orientated!'
- •'Work together to plan your route!'
- •'Check your map before you move!'
- •'Stay within boundaries!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large outdoor area minimum 40m x 40m with clear boundaries and varied terrain features
Surface Check
Check ground is safe for movement, free from holes, debris or hazardous objects
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Ensure orienteering markers are securely placed and visible
- •Check maps are not damaged and clearly show boundaries
- •Verify compasses are working correctly
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Students becoming separated from partners
- •Going outside designated boundaries
- •Trips and falls while looking at maps
- •Getting lost or disoriented
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and communicated
- •Pairs stay together at all times rule
- •Regular visual monitoring of all students
- •Emergency recall signal established
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of activity area
- •Regular circulation to check on all pairs
- •Maintain sight of boundaries and students
Emergency Procedures
Clear recall signal, first aid kit available, emergency contact procedures established