Lesson 4 - Point to Point Navigation
Strategic Orienteering: Map Reading to Competitive Navigation
•Year 6
•Outdoor Adventurous Activities
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Laminated maps distributed to each pair before activity
Alternative: School site maps, enlarged playground maps
Positioned according to course design around outdoor area
Alternative: Coloured cones, laminated cards, PE hoops
Checked for accuracy and distributed with maps
Alternative: Smartphone compass apps, simple button compasses
For recording points found and planning routes
Alternative: Hard-backed notebooks, tablet devices
Clearly mark out-of-bounds areas for safety
Alternative: Rope, tape markers, natural boundaries
For teacher communication and emergency stops
Alternative: Air horn, voice commands
Key Vocabulary
To position the map so it matches the direction you are facing in the real environment
A navigation technique where you travel from one specific location to another in sequence
A specific point marked on the map and ground that orienteers must find
Deciding which path to take between two points considering speed and safety
The direction of travel measured as an angle from north
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
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