Aim

The Singapore National Orienteering Standards Level 1 is an introduction to the sport of orienteering. The purpose of the course is to give participants an understanding on the skills necessary for orienteering and improve their confidence of movements in an outdoor environment.

The course is designed for participants with no prior knowledge of orienteering and will take approximately 9 hours of time (revamped March 2021).

Outcome

By the end of the course, the participant should be able to demonstrate the following:

• Ability to interpret the key features on an Orienteering map 
• Correct use of handling a compass to find directions and obtain azimuth 
• Correct use of the “3s” technique to set maps and find control points in a park / urban built up terrain.
• Understand the risks and possible safety concerns when participating in an Orienteering event. 

Assessment Criteria

• Demonstrate the use of a compass on an orienteering course with at least 5 checkpoints and 15 azimuth reading points.
• Able to plot and complete a score orienteering course with at least 15 checkpoints within 30 minutes of running time. Estimated distance (< 3km)

Course Syllabus

1. Interpret an Orienteering Map 
   1. Identify an orienteering map’s components: 
      • Scale 
      • Colour scheme
      • North arrow 
      • Symbols and Legend
   2. Perform map to ground referencing 
      • Able to match map symbols to colours to features on terrain
      • Use of thumbing while on the move
   3. Understand actual distance from map distances.
      • Able to sight features a distance of 50m and estimate distances
      • Able to estimate differences in distances using maps of different scales / paper sizes 
2. Use a compass to find general directions
   1. Recognise cardinal directions. 
      • NSEW 
      • Quadrant Cardinal Directions 
   2. Identify the parts of a base plate compass: 
      • Direction of Travel 
      • Orienting Arrow 
      • Magnetic needle 
      • Azimuth.
   3. Set map to key features and find directions using a compass 
      • Silva 1,2,3 method
   4. Use of a compass to obtain an Azimuth
      • Sighting of feature from a stationary point
3. Find controls using compass and orienteering map safely
   1. Apply the 3s technique to set map 
      • Stop 
      • Set 
      • Select 
   2. Complete an Orienteering course that is minimally with at least 8 Checkpoints 
      • <1.5km 
      • 3 Choose Path, 3 Route Choice 
   3. Recognise the risks common to orienteering in urban green spaces.
      • Terrain changes
      • Common Mistakes by orienteers
4. Describe the sport of orienteering   
   1. Describe attire appropriate for orienteering. 
      • Urban Park (Sprint) 
      • Forest / Highlands (Middle / Long) 
   2. Recognise equipment used in orienteering races: 
      • Flag markers
      • Map Protection Sleeves  
      • Thumb Compasses 
      • e-punch system 
   3. Recognise how an orienteering race is conducted: 
      • Disciplines 
      • Winning Criteria 
      • Format 
      • Ranking 
   4. Recognise Orienteering Grading system  
      • World ranking framework

Participants

• At least 13 years old (by the year).
• Participants will need to be physically fit and be mobile in the physical environment. 
• Assumed knowledge of participants:
  • No prior knowledge or experience in orienteering, and
  • Able to listen, speak and read Primary 6 equivalent of English

Duration

• 9 hours (3 sessions of 3 hours).

Venue

• Training Venue:  Urban green spaces such as school, parks and housing estates.
• Assessment Venue: Jurong Lake Gardens, Bishan Park, Pasir Ris Park

Instructional Approach / Instructor Ratio

• Blended learning approach where the face-to-face training is conducted in conjunction with e-learning.
• Instructor to Participant ratio 1:10 (or 1:16 if assisted by an assistant)

Participants’ Preparation

• Participants of the activity are advised to wear comfortable sports attire: T-shirt, pants and sports shoes. They may want to change clothing at the end of the day. 
• Participants should bring along their own water bottle, a pen, clipboard and personal compass (if they own one).

Acknowledgement of risk and medical declaration

• In addition, participants are also required to acknowledge the disclosure of risk and declare any health issue that might affect their participation in the programme. Participants below 21 are required to complete a consent form to be signed by parents (to be dispensed by respective organisations). Please note that participants shall be covered by their own insurance.

This Level 1 course content is prepared in consultation with Republic Polytechnic’s School of Health & Leisure.

Last Revision: August 2021