top of page
woodland walk primary boy.jpg

Navigators

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:

​

  • Master map reading and compass navigation

  • Build spatial awareness and problem-solving skills

  • Explore geography and orientation in real-world settings

  • 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?
​

  • Curriculum-Aligned: Meets geography and orienteering objectives for KS1 and KS2

  • Experienced Outdoor Educators: Trained staff lead engaging, safe sessions

  • Flexible Trip Options: Including Day Visit (£18) and Extended Day Visit (£75)

  • Set in Historic Ufton Court: 44 acres of woodland, fields and heritage-rich grounds

Activities KS1

Which Way?

Children will explore the four main compass points (North, South, East and West) to help them describe location and direction.

 

Learning Outcomes:

 

  • Understand the four compass points

  • Use simple directional language (near, far, left, right, forwards, backwards)

  • Follow and give basic directional instructions

  • Build confidence through movement-based games

  • Work collaboratively

Creature Quest

Children will use a simple woodland map to find hidden animal statues, building confidence with map symbols, directions and spatial awareness.

 

Learning Outcomes:

 

  • Use a simple map to locate key features and follow a route

  • Develop directional and positional language (North, South, East, West, near, far, left, right)

  • Identify and interpret map symbols, including adding new ones for unseen features

  • Apply navigation skills in a real outdoor environment

  • Work collaboratively in pairs or small groups to complete a shared challenge

Treasure Hunt

Children will use a simple woodland map to find hidden treasure boxes, record their discoveries with symbols, and understand how maps help explorers track important places.

 

Learning Outcomes:

 

  • Use a simple map to locate hidden objects using landmarks and compass directions

  • Record findings accurately on a map using clear, meaningful symbols

  • Develop directional language and route-planning skills

  • Apply navigation skills to solve a treasure-hunting challenge

  • Work collaboratively in pairs or small groups to explore safely and successfully

Activities KS2

Treasure Trail

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:

​

  • Use maps to navigate and understand the layout of an outdoor area

  • Work effectively as a team to plan, communicate, and problem-solve

  • Use and develop navigational vocabulary to describe locations and directions

Off Site 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:

​

  • Plan a safe and clear route using OS maps, symbols, and the 4Ds

  • Navigate accurately to a destination while adapting to challenges in the field

  • Work effectively as a team to communicate, observe, and solve problems

Geocaching

Children work in teams to navigate to waypoints using GPS devices, developing digital navigation skills and applying teamwork to explore a safe outdoor area.

 

Learning Outcomes:

​

  • Use GPS devices to locate waypoints accurately

  • Work effectively as a team to plan, communicate, and problem-solve

  • Compare digital navigation with map-based navigation and develop spatial awareness.

The Cartographer Code

Children work in pairs to hide and find “treasures” using maps, compass directions, and grid references, developing teamwork and precision in practical navigation.

 

Learning Outcomes:

​

  • ·Use maps, compass points, and grid references to locate and describe positions

  • Work effectively in pairs to plan, communicate, and problem-solve

  • Apply geographical language and spatial awareness to navigate an outdoor area​

bottom of page