🧭

Lesson 4 - Point to Point Navigation

Strategic Orienteering: Map Reading to Competitive Navigation

•

Year 6

•

Outdoor Adventurous Activities

•

Big Question

How can we work as an effective team to navigate accurately from point to point using orienteering skills?

Learning Objectives

To navigate accurately from point to point using orienteering techniques
To work collaboratively as a team to locate designated points in sequence
To apply problem-solving skills when planning efficient routes between orienteering points

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully navigate point-to-point courses using orientated maps
Students will demonstrate effective teamwork and communication during orienteering challenges
Students will show resilience and problem-solving when facing navigation difficulties

Equipment & Resources Required

Maps

1 per pair (15 maps)

Laminated maps distributed to each pair before activity

Alternative: School site maps, enlarged playground maps

Cones

12 markers

Positioned according to course design around outdoor area

Alternative: Coloured cones, laminated cards, PE hoops

Compass

1 per pair (15 compasses)

Checked for accuracy and distributed with maps

Alternative: Smartphone compass apps, simple button compasses

Clipboards

1 per pair (15 clipboards)

For recording points found and planning routes

Alternative: Hard-backed notebooks, tablet devices

Sun Markers

20 cones

Clearly mark out-of-bounds areas for safety

Alternative: Rope, tape markers, natural boundaries

Whistles

2 whistles

For teacher communication and emergency stops

Alternative: Air horn, voice commands

Key Vocabulary

Orientate

To position the map so it matches the direction you are facing in the real environment

Point-to-point

A navigation technique where you travel from one specific location to another in sequence

Control

A specific point marked on the map and ground that orienteers must find

Route choice

Deciding which path to take between two points considering speed and safety

Bearing

The direction of travel measured as an angle from north

Handrail

A linear feature like a path or fence that guides navigation

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Understanding of compass directions (N, S, E, W)
Basic map reading skills and symbol recognition
Experience working in pairs and small teams
Awareness of boundaries and safety zones

Current Skills

Map orientation using terrain features
Point-to-point navigation in sequence
Collaborative route planning
Time management during orienteering activities

Next Steps

Advanced orienteering techniques using contour lines
Competitive orienteering events
Navigation using bearing and distance
Leading orienteering activities for younger students

Milestone Indicators

Consistently orientates map correctly without prompting

Plans logical routes considering terrain and efficiency

Demonstrates clear leadership and communication skills

Shows resilience when navigation becomes challenging

Key Teaching Points

Map orientation is fundamental - always match the map to your surroundings before navigation
Teamwork makes orienteering safer and more successful - teams must stay together at all times
Planning your route before moving prevents panic and poor decisions during navigation
Using handrails like paths and fences helps maintain direction during longer navigation legs
Regular map checking during movement ensures you stay on course and build confidence
Resilience and problem-solving are essential when navigation becomes challenging
Celebrating team achievements builds motivation and positive relationships in outdoor activities

Common Misconceptions

Maps are always held with north at the top - actually maps should be oriented to match your facing direction
Faster running always leads to better orienteering results - careful navigation is more important than speed
You can navigate effectively by following other teams - this prevents learning and can lead groups astray
Compasses are only needed for advanced orienteering - basic compass work helps with map orientation from the start
Making mistakes in orienteering means failure - mistakes are learning opportunities and part of skill development
Only the team captain should make navigation decisions - effective teams use everyone's ideas and observations

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter navigation segments, clear movement boundaries, regular check-ins, hands-on map manipulation activities

dyspraxia

Simplified maps with fewer details, additional practice time, larger control markers, supportive partner pairing

autism spectrum

Clear structure and routine, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones for breaks, predictable team formations

visual impairment

Large print maps, high contrast markers, buddy system with sighted partner, tactile map features where possible

hearing impairment

Visual signals for instructions, written route cards, clear visual demonstrations, sign language support if needed

physical disability

Adapted routes accessible by wheelchair, shorter distances, control points at accessible heights, seated navigation activities

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Scale and distance on maps, compass bearings and angles, time calculations for navigation, coordinate systems

Science

Magnetic compass principles, weather effects on outdoor activities, physical geography concepts

Geography

Map reading skills, compass directions, scale and symbols, landscape features and terrain interpretation

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration, leadership skills, resilience and perseverance, responsible decision-making

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with elevation if possible for maximum visibility of all course areas and students

Observation Focus

Monitor team staying together, boundary compliance, safe movement between controls, effective use of maps

Intervention Points

Step in if teams separate, students go out of bounds, unsafe running, or if students become significantly lost

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate map orientation clearly, show controlled movement between controls, model positive team communication and problem-solving

Verbal Cues

•'Remember to orientate your map!'
•'Teams stay together!'
•'Check your boundaries!'
•'Plan before you move!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area minimum 50m x 50m with varied terrain and features, clear of major hazards

Surface Check

Check outdoor area for holes, glass, dangerous objects, wet or slippery surfaces before activity

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Maps laminated to prevent tearing and weather damage
•Control markers securely positioned and visible
•Compasses checked for accuracy and damage
•Clipboards with safe rounded edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Students going out of bounds or getting lost
•Collisions while running between controls
•Trips and falls on uneven outdoor terrain
•Weather exposure during extended outdoor activity

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and marked with cones
•Emergency whistle signal for immediate recall
•Teams stay together rule strictly enforced
•Regular teacher supervision and position changes
•Weather-appropriate clothing requirements communicated

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Teacher positioning for maximum visibility of all areas
•Regular circulation during extended navigation activities
•Clear sight lines maintained to all control points
•Emergency procedures established and communicated

Emergency Procedures

Three whistle blasts for immediate return to teacher, first aid kit accessible, mobile phone for emergency contact, clear evacuation route identified