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Finding our way: Learning to use a compass
This Geography scheme of work video introduces pupils to the concept of direction and how to use a compass to describe where places are and how we move between them. Pupils learn that a compass has an arrow which always points to the North, no matter which direction they’re facing, and how this helps us find our way.
The video explains the four main compass points — north, east, south and west — and how these are used on maps and in everyday navigation. Pupils learn how maps usually show north at the top, with south at the bottom, east to the right and west to the left. The video encourages pupils to remember the order of the compass points using the phrase naughty elephants squirt water.
Pupils are shown how to hold a compass, observe how the arrow points north, and use the other letters to describe direction. They also begin to apply this knowledge by describing where the countries of the UK are in relation to each other, for example, that England is south of Scotland.
This video is part of Kapow Primary’s Geography – Mapping and fieldwork resources, helping pupils develop spatial awareness, directional language and map-reading confidence.
See more of our Year 1 Geography scheme of work.
