06 September 2004

Free maps roll out for children across Britain

Registrations begin for Explorer initiative

Schools across Britain have begun registering for one of the biggest educational initiatives of its kind, the offer of a free Ordnance Survey Explorer map for every 11-year-old.

More than 750,000 pupils are in line to benefit nationwide as Ordnance Survey bids to improve map-reading skills and get children out and about exploring their local area.

To take advantage of the scheme teachers have to first register their order on the map-maker’s web site, www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/freemapsfor11yearolds .

Although distributed through schools, the maps will be owned by the children themselves.
Qualifying Year 7 pupils at around 7,000 schools will be able to use their maps in class for geography, history, environmental studies, citizenship and other lessons – and take them home to enjoy with their families.

Secretary of State for Education and Skills Charles Clarke says: “I welcome this since 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.”

And Schools Minister Stephen Twigg adds: “This year’s initiative will help hundreds of thousands more children across Britain discover the fun and value of maps.”

Jane Davidson AM, Welsh Assembly Government Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, says: “I very much welcome this initiative. On one level it will provide an opportunity for pupils, through enquiry and fieldwork, to develop a range of valuable skills and techniques. But beyond this Y Cwricwlwm Cymreig underlines just how important it is for all young people to have a knowledge and understanding of the character of both their local community and Wales as a whole. The materials will make a very positive contribution to this work by encouraging pupils to explore the links between environmental, social and economic issues in shaping the world around us and our attitudes and values.”

By registering and ordering early, schools have a chance to win an inspirational visit and talk by world record polar explorer Andrew Cooney – the youngest person ever to walk to the South Pole.

Mr Cooney says: “This initiative will help children across Britain discover the fun and value of maps and encourage them to explore their local environment. I learnt to navigate while at school and as a Scout member, and I believe providing a personal map to every 11-year-old will encourage children to appreciate the great outdoors.”

This is the third year Ordnance Survey has made available a free Explorer map for Year 7 and Primary 7 pupils across the country. More than 1½ million children have already benefited from the initiative and the shop value of maps being offered this year is more than £5 million.

Research conducted on behalf of Ordnance Survey into the educational benefit of the scheme was recently revealed by Elaine Owen, the mapping agency’s Education Manager. She says: “The educational benefit has been overwhelming. A lot of schools are making good and innovative use of the maps and pupils have gained real confidence in map reading, which will serve them well throughout their lives. The use of maps at home has also been a revelation, with many families spending more leisure time together exploring their local area – with the children leading the way.”

As part of this year’s initiative, schools using their free maps in innovative ways can enter an Ordnance Survey competition to win an interactive whiteboard and computer equipment.

The closing date for map orders is 8 October 2004 and although a huge logistical task, Ordnance Survey aims to deliver all the maps to schools throughout Britain before the start of the spring term. Along with their map, each pupil in England and Wales will receive a copy of the new Countryside Code and a map reading skills leaflet. Interactive homework help is also provided on Ordnance Survey’s website for children, www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/mapzone.

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