Shape and Space
Bearings and Compass Directions
We use Bearings to describe the position of things or places by measuring the clockwise angle of the item relative to North (0°). We already know that there are 360 degrees in a circle, so by using 3 digits, we can represent any direction. |
The four major directions (known as Cardinal Points)
on a compass are:
North (N) ..... 000°, (or 360°)
East (E) ..... 090°,
South (S) ..... 180°
West (W) ...... 270° |
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The half-cardinal points are also shown on this compass
North-East (NE) 045°, South East (SE) 135°,
South-West (SW) 225° and North-West (NW) 315°
The magnetic needle always points towards the North - so you have to line the compass up with this before you can use it.
If you were asked to walk on a bearing of 90°, you need to line up the compass with North and then turn 90° clockwise and then walk in that direction - which would be East.
To return to the original position you would need to turn 180° - so add 180° to 90°
and you get a new bearing of 270° - Line up the compass and turn 270° and then walk in that direction - which would be West.
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Practice using bearings with these worksheets from Primary Resources
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