Discover the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and curriculum based learning with our Map and Compass Skills school trips for KS1 and KS2. Designed to enhance geography, navigation and problem solving skills, these engaging trips offer unforgettable hands on experiences in the outdoors.
Map and Compass Skills School Trips
Outdoor Learning Adventures for KS1 and KS2
Boost your school's outdoor education with our Map and Compass Skills trips. Designed for KS1 and KS2 students, the Navigators Programme at Ufton Court Education Centre links directly to the national curriculum while offering unforgettable hands-on learning in the great outdoors.
Through interactive activities in our woodland and outdoor learning spaces, children will:
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Master map reading and compass navigation
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Build spatial awareness and problem-solving skills
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Explore geography and orientation in real-world settings
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Gain confidence through curriculum-linked outdoor exploration
Aligned with KS1 and KS2 geography outcomes, children will apply their skills to analyse land use, follow complex routes, and reflect on how villages like Ufton Nervet are shaped by their geography. Ideal for developing independence, resilience and real-world geographical thinking.
Whether children are tracking a treasure map or navigating woodland trails, every activity supports classroom learning while encouraging teamwork, resilience and curiosity.
Why Choose Our Navigation School Trips?
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Curriculum-Aligned: Meets geography and orienteering objectives for KS1 and KS2
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Experienced Outdoor Educators: Trained staff lead engaging, safe sessions
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Set in Historic Ufton Court: 44 acres of woodland, fields and heritage-rich grounds
Navigators Map and Compass Skills Activity Options for KS1
Children will play games and physical activities to help them explore the United Kingdom map and the countries within it. They will learn about physical and human features and make their own wild maps with a natural key to highlight these.
Learning Outcomes:
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Understand the four compass points
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Learn to identify the United Kingdom and its four countries
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Tell the difference between physical and human features
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Learn how to use a key and how that relates to physical and human features
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Work collaboratively with a small group to create their own map (made from natural items) and include symbols and a key
Activities | DT | EDT | RES | Additional Cost? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Treasure Hunt | Yes | No | No | - |
Creature Quest | Yes | No | No | - |
Wild About Maps | Yes | No | No | - |
DT = Day Trip
EDT = Day Trip
RES= Residential
Navigators Map and Compass Skills Activity Options for KS2
Children work in teams to navigate an outdoor area, using maps and teamwork to locate hidden ‘treasure’ while developing map-reading and communication skills.
Learning Outcomes:
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Use maps to navigate and understand the layout of an outdoor area
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Work effectively as a team to plan, communicate, and problem-solve
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Use and develop navigational vocabulary to describe locations and directions
Activities | DV | EDV | RES | Additional Cost? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cartographer's Code | Yes | No | No | - |
Geocaching | Yes | No | No | - |
Treasure Trail | Yes | No | No | - |
DT = Day Trip
EDT = Day Trip
RES= Residential
Navigators: KS2 Ordinance Survey Expedition
Children take part in a full-day outdoor navigation experience, starting with planning their expedition using OS maps and the 4Ds (Distance, Direction, Description, Duration), then putting their skills into practice on a guided walk to a local landmark. Along the way, they complete map-based challenges, work as a team, and develop real-world problem-solving, spatial awareness, and navigation skills.
Learning Outcomes:
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Plan a safe and clear route using OS maps, symbols, and the 4Ds
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Navigate accurately to a destination while adapting to challenges in the field
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Work effectively as a team to communicate, observe, and solve problems
Important to Consider:
This is an offsite walk that takes the whole day. Lunch will be eaten at the 'Oval pond' destination and there are no toilets available on the route. A separate Risk Assessment is available upon request.