Stirling University PE Students Get a Taste of Orienteering

Scottish Orienteering recently delivered a practical orienteering taster session for secondary PE teaching students at the University of Stirling, giving future teachers the chance to experience how orienteering can be introduced simply and effectively in schools. We had some extra fun as it was the last day before the holidays so everyone arrived in festive attire!

A total of 24 students took part in the two-hour session, which was led by Louise Adams (SOA Lead Development Officer), with support from STUOC President Laura Brown. The session focused on easy-to-learn, easy-to-set-up activities that are well suited to school environments and adaptable for different ages and abilities.

The session was carefully structured to progress skills step by step, and to show the students how orienteering can be taught progressively within a school setting. Students began by developing a basic understanding of maps before moving on to activities that involved orientating (setting) the map, and finally learning how to navigate using an orienteering map. Along the way, they were introduced to key map symbols and colours, helping them understand how orienteering maps communicate information about the surrounding area.

As well as participating in the activities themselves, the students were encouraged to think about how these games could be delivered within a PE curriculum, giving them practical ideas they can take forward into their future teaching careers. There were suggestions on how to make their sessions cross-curricular, incorporating other subjects such as maths, spelling and geography, as well as conversations around adapting the activities based on specific needs of different pupils.

A big thank you goes to Joe Cowley and Alison Murray, the University of Stirling staff members who helped arrange the session and were on hand to support throughout the day. Their involvement was key in making the session a success. Thanks are also due to Laura for giving up her time to come and support, and also provide a vital link into the student orienteering scene at Stirling.

Introducing orienteering to trainee PE teachers is an important step in growing the sport and ensuring more young people get the chance to experience navigation, problem-solving and outdoor learning through PE.

Photo credits to both Joe Cowley and Alison Murray.