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:
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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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Flexible Trip Options: Including Day Visit (£18) and Extended Day Visit (£75)
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Set in Historic Ufton Court: 44 acres of woodland, fields and heritage-rich grounds
Activities KS1
Compass Navigation
Children will learn how to use cardinal points (North, East, South West) to describe location and direction on maps.
Learning outcomes:
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Understand parts of a compass and their functions
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Take and follow bearings accurately
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Apply navigation skills in a practical context
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Build teamwork and problem-solving skills
Map Reading
Children will integrate compass skills and language while linking bearings and grid references.
Learning outcomes
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Identify simple map symbols (e.g., tree, river, path, building).
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Understand that maps represent places from above (“bird’s-eye view”).
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Use a picture map to follow a simple route (e.g., treasure hunt in playground).
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Match real objects/landmarks to symbols on a basic map.
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Describe position using everyday language (next to, near, behind, in front of).
Orienteering
Children will follow a special picture map through Ufton's Brambley Woods, spotting symbols and matching them to real-life landmarks. They might spot some woodland wildlife along the way!
This immersive geography fieldwork session deepens map-reading skills, enhances understanding of human and physical geography and builds confidence in interpreting landscapes through directional and spatial language. Children will apply their skills to navigate and discover Brambley Woods hidden wonder!
Activities KS2
Compass Navigation
Children will learn how to use cardinal and intercardinal points (N,NE,E,SE,SW,W,NW) to describe location and direction on maps.
Learning outcomes:
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Understand parts of a compass and their functions
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Take and follow bearings accurately
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Apply navigation skills in a practical context
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Build teamwork and problem-solving skills
Map Reading
Children will integrate compass skills and language while linking bearings and grid references.
Learning outcomes:
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Identify key map features such as symbols, keys / legends, scale, and grid lines.
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Explain cardinal directions (N, S, E, W) and understand compass use.
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Describe how maps represent real places using symbols and scale.
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Recognise different types of maps (e.g. OS maps, local maps, digital maps, thematic maps).
Orienteering
Ready for a real-world navigation challenge? Using compasses, grid references, and OS map symbols, pupils will explore the local village of Ufton Nevert with purpose and precision. Students will apply their skills to analyse land use, follow complex routes, and reflect on how villages like Ufton Nevert are shaped by their geography.