Orienteering at Sandringham 8th July 2010
On 8th July, children from Years 5 and 6 visited Sandringham Country Park to practise their skills of orienteering. Prior to this, they had received training in the school hall and grounds, but how different would they find it in the forest?
After a map walk to familiarise the children with the orienteering map (which is drawn using specific colours and symbols), Year 5 undertook a relatively simple course. This followed paths and featured control kites at every change of direction. At each control, children used a pin punch to record their progress.
All Year 5 children completed their course successfully. The day was very hot so all were ready for drinks when they finished.
Year 6 children had a longer and more difficult course as most of them had orienteered at Sandringham the previous year. Although they had a similar number of controls to find, these were more widely spaced and not at every change of direction. This meant it was important for the children to know where they were in relation to the map all the time.
The Year 6 course also climbed the Sandringham escarpment and involved a short cross-country route. The view over the sea from the observation point at the top made this worthwhile.
Although not all the Year 6 children completed the course on their own, most said they enjoyed it. They were more than ready for their lunch when they reached the end!
Staff were joined by parents and governors in arranging the day and marshalling the courses. All agreed that orienteering helps children develop confidence and independence as well as physical fitness.
Will life be as tiring next year at the High School?
