Understanding Grid Systems

Overview

This 45-minute lesson is the second in a six-lesson unit titled Exploring Fortnite’s Geography. It focuses on teaching Year 6 students how to use grid references—a fundamental skill in geography aligned with the National Curriculum for England (Key Stage 2). Using the Fortnite map as an engaging, relatable context, students will learn to read and use alphanumeric grid references to locate points of interest precisely.

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National Curriculum Links

Geography – Key Stage 2 (Years 5 & 6)

• Locate the world’s countries, using maps to focus on Europe and North and South America, concentrating on their environmental regions, key physical and human characteristics, countries, and major cities.
• Use maps, atlases, globes, and digital/computer mapping to locate countries and describe features studied.
• Use the 8 points of a compass, four- and six-figure grid references, symbols, and key (including the use of Ordnance Survey maps) to build their knowledge of the United Kingdom and the wider world.

The focus here is specifically on using four-figure grid references, a requirement for Year 6.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:

• Understand the concept of grid systems on maps.
• Read and use four-figure grid references to locate specific points on the Fortnite map.
• Apply this knowledge collaboratively to find locations accurately.

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Success Criteria

Students will be successful if they can:

• Correctly identify grid columns and rows on the map.
• Use alphanumeric grid references (e.g., B3, D5) to locate places on the Fortnite map.
• Accurately find named locations within given grid references independently or with peer support.

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Resources

• Simplified Fortnite map with a clear 5x5 grid overlay (printed in colour and black & white versions)
• Blank grid templates (dyslexia-friendly with high contrast, simplified fonts, and clearly spaced squares)
• Location cards with Fortnite POIs (Points of Interest) labelled with grid references
• Whiteboard and markers
• Mini whiteboards and pens for student work
• Rulers (optional)

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Hook: Show students a zoomed-in screenshot of the Fortnite map with a grid. Ask: “How do you think players use the grid to find places quickly?”
• Explain: Introduce grid systems briefly—a method of splitting a map into rows (numbers) and columns (letters) to help locate points easily.
• Demonstrate: Using the board, show how to read grid references. Start with letters for columns and numbers for rows (e.g., B3 means column B, row 3).
• Link this to Ordnance Survey maps, reinforcing real-world application per the National Curriculum.

2. Guided Practice (15 minutes)

• Provide each student pair with a Fortnite map and a set of location cards.
• Together, students practise finding locations using grid references on their map. They take turns calling out a grid reference and locating it.
• Teacher supports with questioning:
  • “What letter comes before C?”
  • “If this square is B2, where is B3? How do you know?”

3. Collaborative Task (10 minutes)

• Give student pairs a list of 6 Fortnite locations (e.g., Tilted Towers, Loot Lake) with their grid references.
• Students work collaboratively to locate these places on the map and mark them with a small sticker or dot.
• Encourage discussion about strategies to find grid squares systematically.

4. Extension Activity (optional for advanced students) (5 minutes)

• Challenge pupils to create a simple 4x4 or 5x5 mini-map of a familiar place (e.g., their classroom or playground) using a grid system.
• Label a few points of interest with grid references, practising the skills learned.

5. Plenary and Assessment (5 minutes)

• Quick oral quiz: The teacher calls out grid references; students write down or point to those squares on mini whiteboards or the printed map.
• Reflect on success criteria: “Who can explain how to use a grid reference to a friend?”
• Feedback: Praise accuracy and collaboration, encourage use of grid systems in other subjects.

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Differentiation Strategies

Learner Type	Strategy	Resources & Support
Struggling Learner	Provide simplified grid template with colour-coded rows/columns	Dyslexia-friendly map with high-contrast colours & spacing
Visual Learner	Use physical grid overlays and colour-coded cards	Colour-coded grid overlays and large print maps
Advanced Learner	Extension activity to create own mini-map with grid references	Guided planning scaffold for map creation
Collaborative Learners	Pair students as per teacher instruction for peer support	Structured roles: one reads grid reference, one locates

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Dyslexia-Friendly Reading Options

• Use sans-serif fonts (e.g., Arial or Comic Sans).
• Increase spacing between letters, rows, and columns.
• Colour-code rows and columns (e.g., blue letters, orange numbers) for easy differentiation.
• Provide printed maps and templates on pastel backgrounds (e.g., light yellow) to reduce visual stress.
• Include a ‘key’ with simple vocabulary and icons.

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Teacher’s Notes

• Emphasise correct terminology: “column,” “row,” “grid reference.”
• Reinforce that columns are letters and always come first in a reference, rows are numbers and come second (e.g., D4).
• Encourage students to verbalise their thinking to consolidate understanding.
• Use Fortnite’s popularity as a hook but keep focus on the geographical skill transferable to real-world maps.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Observation of students during collaborative task and guided practice.
• Mini whiteboard responses during plenary quiz to check understanding.
• Review of location markings on maps for accuracy.

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This approach ensures students meet the KS2 National Curriculum expectations for map skills, embedding learning in a context they find engaging and meaningful, while supporting diverse learners and extending the challenge for more able students.