Introductory techniques

Recap learning on map symbols, scale, grid references. For info check out Map symbols, direction and contour lines – BBC Bitesize and Measuring distances and grid references – BBC Bitesize. Compasses can be taken outside to practice reading bearings.

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For more support try the Steve Backshall videos made with Ordnance Survey. The resources Introduction to using a compass and how to take a compass bearing are both very helpful.

Mapping technique

Give pupils a base map of your school in the form of an OS map. These can be downloaded from GIS Software for Mapping and Spatial Analytics | Esri or Digimap For Schools (if your school has an account or free trial). Pupils should create a symbol key and scale and North arrow and add gridlines to their map in order to be able to identify grid references.

Creating an orienteering map – pupils work in small groups of 4 -6, to identify places to locate their orienteering ‘posts’, these could be flags, letters to make up a geographical term, riddles, a geographical feature to identify, or other challenges to find and complete. Pupils make these themselves and locate them in the grounds. They then must write out instructions for another team to ‘find’ their orienteering posts.

This should include:

• at least one grid reference
• at least two routes to follow bearings
• symbols / features of the map, e.g. past the large Oak tree
• scale information, walk 100 paces or for 50 metres that work with the scale they have chosen on the map.

Teacher considerations:

• Make sure you put boundaries on the map for safety and access.
• Make sure pupils are aware of all hazards and out of bounds areas.

Pupils then swap maps with another group and use their instructions, the map, and a compass to find the orienteering posts and complete the task, with a reflection and feedback to the map makers to end the session.

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The Geographical Association (GA) has worked closely with the Field Studies Council (FSC) to develop these resources.