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Lesson 4 - Point to Point Navigation

Strategic Navigation and Collaborative Orienteering

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Year 5

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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Big Question

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

1 per pair (15 maps)

Maps should show the activity area with clear boundaries marked

Alternative: Large playground maps, hand-drawn area maps

Sun Markers

20-30 cones

Placed at positions marked on the maps around the activity area

Alternative: Coloured cones, laminated numbers, PE equipment

Compass

1 per pair (15 compasses)

Simple orienteering compasses suitable for children

Alternative: Large demonstration compass, playground compass markings

Cards

1 per pair (15 cards)

For students to record which points they have visited

Alternative: Clipboards with recording sheets, punch cards

Stopwatch

2-3 stopwatches

For timing different courses and activities

Alternative: Mobile phone timers, large digital timer

Key Vocabulary

Orientate

To position a map so that it matches the real landscape around you

Compass bearing

A direction shown using compass points like North, South, East, West

Point-to-point

Navigating from one marked location to another in a specific order

Navigation

Finding your way from one place to another using a map

Route planning

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

Correctly orientates map without teacher support

Successfully completes point-to-point courses in sequence

Demonstrates effective partnership and communication

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