Mapping/ Cartography 2017
In 2016 my Cartography work really started with winning a contract to update 10 School Orienteering maps for Purbeck Schools Sports Co-ordinator. I also made 9 New schools size maps 2 of which were for Harbourside challenge and 1 for Heatree Outdoor centre in Devon. This year 2017 my reputation must have spread as this year my school mapping saw another 6 local school sites produced:- Baden Powell, Oakdale, Beaucroft, Bourne Academy (secondary), Branksome heath Junior and Canford Heath Junior all asked me to make them a bespoke map with Orienteering colours and symbols for their teaching. My friends at Land and Wave also asked for their new site at Purbeck Valley farm to be mapped giving them another fun activity for the summer campsite there. Additionally there have been Club maps made for By the Way field Wimborne, and Darbys Lane by Wimborne and Wessex Orienteering clubs respectively. Explore these places by visiting here for FREE maps. The Last one of these is particularly valuable- as it links two Poole Schools that have both asked me to teach series of Orienteering for their Key Stage 2 Children. Both can leave school on foot and without having to cross a road enter a parkland area which is a mixture of heathland and mature trees. This venue Darbys Lane was used for the first Dorset Cross country league race in October 2017 proving what a great local outdoor space it is. I’m excited about them getting to explore and navigate around in this area, with the potential for inter-school competitions there where they can show off the skills learned during a coached series. I’m looking forward to teaching the 9 series of Orienteering I have booked for 2018, making the links to local events and promotion of these. Next week we have an inter club meeting scheduled with Active Dorset to discuss the Dorset School Games for next year to be held at Avon Heath (tbc) 11 May, with the strong likelihood of running a Level 3 Event in Summer Term. 2018 will also see the hosting of the British Schools Score Orienteering Champs by my partner club Wimborne Orienteers to be held at Moors Valley on Saturday October 13th. Look out for all these as they come together. Theres never been a better time to use Outdoor and Adventurous Activities for teaching young people valuable skills. I am passionate about Physical Education and school sport and the numerous benefits they bring to a child’s life. I believe Physical Education should maintain a core element within the timetable of a school to not only develop a child’s physical, mental and social skills but also develop aspects of a child’s character that may go unnoticed or unaddressed in other subject areas. Therefore this subject is crucial in the holistic development of our children and must be given a reasonable proportion of the school timetable. My key Objectives are:- Improving teachers’ subject knowledge and confidence in the subject. To raise levels of confidence and competence to deliver all aspects of Orienteering linked to Literacy and Numeracy by Outdoor learning. To extend physical activity to all areas of school life through a manageable programme both in and out of the classroom Going to be a great 2018 catch me outdoors!