Find it with a grid reference
Autumn 2 · Week 1 · 40 minutes
Learning intention
I can use a map key and grid references to give a precise, checkable location.
Success criteria
- Read three symbol meanings from a key.
- Give four- and six-figure references.
- Explain a reference’s precision and one map limit.
Use Next to begin. Ask for word help or your usual support when needed.
Read the map, not the picture
Use the key and arrows.
Where is north on this map?
What does a key do?
Which number comes first: easting or northing?
Today we give locations other people can check.
Original teaching glyphs for common OS symbol meanings; not reproduced OS artwork. The black location dot is added for this lesson. Always read the key of the actual map you use.
A square or a point?
Two map readers say “near the information point”.
Why could that be unclear?
Find B on Map A.
What would a grid reference add?
Map A: original fictional map, not an OS extract. Major squares are 1 km by 1 km. Small squares are 100 m by 100 m. Read the black dot. No real navigation.
Along first, then up
Use B for the worked example.
Find the large square’s lower-left corner.
Read easting 41 before northing 21.
For six figures, split the square into tenths.
B is 4 tenths across and 6 tenths up.
Map A: original fictional map, not an OS extract. Major squares are 1 km by 1 km. Small squares are 100 m by 100 m. Read the black dot. No real navigation.
| Move | Map A · point B |
|---|---|
| Four figures | Square starts at easting 41, northing 21: 4121 |
| Six figures | 4 tenths across; 6 tenths up: 414 216 |
| What it locates | A 100 m square, not an exact doorway |
Give a checkable location
Use Map A and the key.
Select a feature.
Name its symbol.
Enter its four- and six-figure references.
Check, then explain one correction.
Map A: original fictional map, not an OS extract. Major squares are 1 km by 1 km. Small squares are 100 m by 100 m. Read the black dot. No real navigation.
Original teaching glyphs for common OS symbol meanings; not reproduced OS artwork. The black location dot is added for this lesson. Always read the key of the actual map you use.
Paper or spoken route
Use Map A with the blank feature/reference table. Compare only after the pupil commits.
Keep both coordinate parts
A pupil writes B as 216 414.
Those are the right digits in the wrong order.
Easting comes first.
Write B as 414 216.
A real OS reference also needs its national grid block.
| Move | Map A · point B |
|---|---|
| Four figures | Square starts at easting 41, northing 21: 4121 |
| Six figures | 4 tenths across; 6 tenths up: 414 216 |
| What it locates | A 100 m square, not an exact doorway |
Test the symbol claim
A blue P marks parking in this key.
Does it tell us that parking is free?
Does it show spaces available now?
Keep the claim with the symbol.
Original teaching glyphs for common OS symbol meanings; not reproduced OS artwork. The black location dot is added for this lesson. Always read the key of the actual map you use.
What can this symbol show?
New map, same method
Use Map B.
Name D, E and F from the key.
Give a four- and six-figure reference for each.
Explain why six figures narrow the location.
Add one fact this map cannot establish.
Map B: original fictional map, not an OS extract. Major squares are 1 km by 1 km. Small squares are 100 m by 100 m. Read the black dot. No real navigation.
Original teaching glyphs for common OS symbol meanings; not reproduced OS artwork. The black location dot is added for this lesson. Always read the key of the actual map you use.
Supported
Use D and E. Read each symbol and give a four-figure reference. Build one six-figure reference with the tenths grid.
An adult can read labels. You choose the containing square and tenths.
Standard
Give symbol meanings plus four- and six-figure references for D, E and F. Explain the gain in precision and a map limit.
Use the five-step check once, then work without the model.
Stretch
Explain why 5030 and 506303 can both refer to D at different precisions. What else is needed for a real National Grid reference?
Distinguish map area, grid block, square size and live information.
No name is needed. Save your written notes before closing or reloading.
Read one location back
Choose D, E or F.
Give its symbol meaning and six-figure reference.
Explain which part is easting.
Say one check you made.
Check list
Key → square → easting → northing → tenths
Use your independent map.
Lundy Loop
Choose how to share. Your adult will listen and say what happens next.
Lesson complete
Show one thing you learned.
Tell your adult what helped or what needs another look.
Save any written notes you want to keep. Your teacher will agree the next step.
Use Print for pupil sheets or Back to revisit a stage.