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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can navigate the school site responsibly using a map.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: altering your pace of running will allow you to follow a route and navigate through checkpoints as a team.
      2. Think: thumbing the map allows you to track your progress around a course.
      3. Think: line features include roads, fences and buildings.
      4. Feel: being able to orientate and navigate using a map requires confidence.
      5. Connect: refining navigation strategies requires you to work together as a team.

      Keywords

      • School values - the moral expectations that guide our behaviour to be more successful citizens

      • Responsibility - being in charge of your actions and their outcomes. It involves making good choices and doing what you're expected to do.

      • Navigation - the process of accurately ascertaining your position, planning and following a route

      Common misconception

      Losing track of time or becoming distracted by the freedom of navigating without the direct supervision of a teacher.

      Focus in on school values and responsibility to retain the privilege of independence.

      Teacher tip

      If your school is not professionally mapped, you can use a screen shot from google maps in satelite view instead.

      Equipment

      1 map per group of 4 cut into 8 pieces, a laminated school map, whiteboard, pen and blank control point (see additional materials) per pupil, 1 demo control point (own example or additional materials)

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - outdoor learning

      Risk assessment required - physical activity

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      To successfully navigate an orienteering course, which components of fitness are most important?

      Correct answer: stamina & agility
      strength & power
      reaction time & flexibility

      Q2.
      Why is it important to warm up before orienteering?

      Correct answer: prevent against injury
      learn the course
      to increase energy

      Q3.
      What does it mean to orientate a map?

      Correct answer: match key features
      keep it straight
      hold it parallel

      Q4.
      What does a triangle signify on a map?

      first 2 steps
      Correct answer: start and finish
      suggested order

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What do black symbols represent on a map?

      Correct answer: human-made or rock
      ground contours
      water

      Q2.
      What do we need to consider when running between checkpoints to ensure we can complete a course?

      the environment
      Correct answer: our pace
      our position

      Q3.
      When ‘thumbing the map’ what are we following with our thumb?

      the checkpoints
      the terrain
      Correct answer: our path

      Q4.
      To maintain the freedom to navigate the school site independently, we must be ...

      confident.
      Correct answer: responsible.
      quick.

      To help you plan your 7 physical education lesson on: Explore your school site, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...