Strategic Orienteering: Map Reading to Competitive Navigation
•Year 6
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Maps should show current course with all control points marked
Alternative: School site maps with added control points
Check all compasses are working correctly before lesson
Alternative: Phone compass apps as backup
Place at predetermined locations before lesson starts
Alternative: Laminated letters/numbers, coloured bibs
Pre-numbered cards for recording control visits
Alternative: Recording sheets, hole punches
For timing course completion and penalty tracking
Alternative: Phone timers, large wall clock
Essential for stable map reading while moving
Alternative: Hard-backed books for map support
For marking routes and making notes on maps
Alternative: Waterproof pens
A series of checkpoints that must be visited in a specific order using map and compass navigation
Deciding the best path between control points considering terrain, distance and time
A specific location marked on the map that teams must find and visit
The compass direction from one point to another, measured in degrees
A linear feature like a path, fence or stream that helps guide navigation
An easily identifiable feature near the control from which to make the final approach
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Calculating scores, measuring distances on maps, working with compass bearings and angles
Understanding magnetism and compass function, forces affecting movement over terrain
Map reading skills, understanding symbols and scale, spatial awareness and navigation
Teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills, resilience when facing challenges
Central location with good visibility of entire course and all control points
Monitor navigation accuracy, partnership cooperation, and adherence to time limits
Assist if pairs appear lost, distressed, or unsafe; encourage positive competition
Model excellent map orientation, positive partnership communication, and strategic thinking throughout
Large outdoor area minimum 100m x 100m, varied terrain preferred
Check for hazards like holes, obstacles, wet areas or dangerous terrain
Three whistle blasts signal immediate return to base, all pairs to stop activity and return directly
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