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Lesson 3 of 6
  • Year 5

Orientating a map to locate points

I can orientate a map, locate points on the map and then record what I find at those points.

Lesson 3 of 6
New
New
  • Year 5

Orientating a map to locate points

I can orientate a map, locate points on the map and then record what I find at those points.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: orienteering requires us to complete the course in the fastest time, so we must move quickly around the course.
  2. Think: strategies like orienting the map, identifying features and problem solving help us complete the course quickly.
  3. Feel: doing our best, even if we’re not the fastest on the course, shows perseverance.
  4. Connect: cooperating and listening to our partners helps us be more successful when completing an orienteering course.

Keywords

  • Orienteering - using a map to navigate through unfamiliar terrain, aiming to find specific checkpoints in the fastest time possible

  • Course - a set route marked on a map with checkpoints, or control points, that you navigate through to complete the activity

  • Features - the elements that help users understand the layout, details and information the map represents

Common misconception

Pupils hold the map the wrong way round, not matching it to their direction of travel, making it harder to locate points accurately.

Make sure pupils orient the map so it matches the direction they're facing. They must turn the map until the features on the map line up with what they can see around them.


To help you plan your year 5 physical education lesson on: Orientating a map to locate points, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Pairing the pupils in mixed ability will encourage collaboration and facilitate scaffolding. If you have any additional adults with you, position them in locations where there are potential hazards, danger or blind spots.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Orienteering course, orienteering map, whiteboards and pens, 1 per pair

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - outdoor learning
  • Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Which word describes using a map to navigate checkpoints?

finding
searching
Correct answer: orienteering

Q2.
What should you do with your partner to help you to complete the course quicker?

leave them behind
Correct answer: work together
ignore each other

Q3.
Why is it important to persevere when a task becomes challenging?

Correct answer: so you finish
it's easier
to give up

Q4.
What may happen if you rush when orienteering?

Correct answer: miss a checkpoint
finish with accuracy
you always win

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Which word describes a set route marked on a map with checkpoints that you navigate through to complete the activity?

track
race
Correct answer: course

Q2.
What should you do if you’re not the fastest at finding the points?

Correct answer: try your best
give up
just walk

Q3.
How should you move to a point once you have located it?

slowly
steadily
Correct answer: quickly

Q4.
What can help you to ensure the map is the right way round?

spin it fast
Correct answer: locate specific features
hold it landscape