03 September 2003

Free maps on the timetable

Registrations begin for massive maps delivery

Head teachers across Britain are today urged to make sure their pupils don’t miss out on one of the biggest educational initiatives of its kind.

Ordnance Survey is offering a free Explorer map to every 11-year-old to support learning and take home as their own.

As schools must register online, letters with a dedicated user name and password are going out to head teachers this week.

“We want to help children experience both the fun and the value of geography,” says Ordnance Survey’s Director General and Chief Executive, Vanessa Lawrence. “This is part of our commitment to make our information widely available for the benefit of all.”

The move follows the success of a similar initiative last year which saw maps distributed to more than 750,000 Year 7 pupils at around 6,200 schools. It won praise from pupils, parents and teachers alike.

This year’s scheme is backed by Charles Clarke, Secretary of State for Education in England. He says: “Geography plays a vital role in helping children to understand the environment in which they are living. Children will benefit enormously from learning about how familiar places in their lives, such as their home or school, form part of the many diverse communities in this country.”

Elaine Owen, Ordnance Survey’s senior education manager, says: “We hope schools will register straight away so that we can process the orders and deliver all the maps as early in the academic year as possible. Based on the overwhelming response of last year, we hope head teachers will not delay.”

Along with their maps, each pupil will receive a Map reading made easy leaflet. The mailout is backed by online resources, including interactive homework help, at Ordnance Survey’s education website - www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/mapzone. Schools also have the chance to win computer equipment in a competition based on the most inventive teaching of map skills.

Schools must register by October 10.

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