Orienteering & Outdoor Education Resources for Schools
Orienteering gives teachers a practical way to take learning outdoors. Students develop map reading, navigation and decision-making skills while being physically active — and because the sport supports learning objectives across PE, Geography and Maths, it has a place in the curriculum beyond sport alone.
This category brings together practical equipment and teaching materials for schools, youth groups, outdoor centres and other organisations introducing young people to navigation. Whether you are planning a first session on the school grounds or equipping a group for more structured activities, the resources here are chosen with the practical demands of teaching in mind.
The three sections below cover different needs:
School Starter Kits — practical equipment for introducing groups of pupils to outdoor navigation.
Educational Resources — books, teaching materials and navigation guides for different levels.
Bulk Orders for Schools — for organisations that need larger quantities of equipment for group activities, classes or outdoor programmes.
Supporting the Sport in Schools
Sessions can be delivered as part of the PE curriculum and also support cross-curricular learning in Geography and Maths. Activities adapt easily for different ages and levels of experience — from simple map-reading exercises on the school grounds to more structured navigation courses in local parks and open spaces.
For pupils who want to progress further, there is a clear competitive pathway, including the British Schools Orienteering Championships.
British Orienteering provides teacher training courses — including online eLearning — to help schools deliver the subject progressively and in line with National Curriculum requirements. Information is available at britishorienteering.org.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does orienteering count towards the National Curriculum?
It can be delivered as part of PE and also supports learning objectives in Geography and Maths. British Orienteering provides teacher training specifically aligned to National Curriculum requirements for both primary and secondary schools.
What equipment does a school need to start?
This depends on the activity and age of the group. Basic sessions on school grounds may need maps, compasses and simple navigation exercises. More structured sessions may require additional course and control equipment. Teaching materials can help plan activities at an appropriate level.
Are these suitable for youth groups and outdoor centres?
Yes. Navigation resources are widely used by Scouts, Guides, youth groups, outdoor centres and other organisations teaching these skills alongside schools.