Boys and girls from Kingsgate, New End, Rosary and Christchurch primary schools to try orienteering
Published: 24 February, 2011
by STEVE BARNETT
PE sessions took a step in a new direction on Wednesday when children were given a rare chance to try orienteering.
Boys and girls from Kingsgate, New End, Rosary and Christchurch primary schools folded up their maps and got out their compasses as they headed for the beauty and splendour of Hampstead Heath.
It’s the second time that the six-week course has been run by Sports Coaches into Schools PE (SCISPE), an organisation aiming to get more children involved in sports.
Youngsters from Islington are also getting ready to take up the challenge, with pupils from Winton Primary School preparing for their very own adventure in April.
SCISPE teacher Rob Betts said: “Orienteering is a challenging, outdoor adventure that exercises both the mind and the body. We have been working with children in class to help improve their ability to read maps. Then we give them the chance to put their new skills into practice on Hampstead Heath, where they race against the clock to complete tasks.
“The children told us they’ve never experienced so much fun and adventure with a map and just how beautiful the park was at this time of year. They were running around using map work and were stunned with the views from Parliament Hill.”
Schools interested in arranging an orienteering session should visit www.scispe.com for further info.