Bearings

Understanding Bearings

Get to grips with bearings as a method of describing a direction based on angles.
Know that bearings are always measured in degrees.
Understand that bearings are given as a three-figure number (for instance, 005°, not 5°).

Measuring Bearings

Recognise bearings as measured from the North line, which is a vertical line pointing upwards on a diagram.
Understand that measurements continue in a clockwise direction, from north around to east, south, west, and coming back to north.

Reading Bearings

Define a bearing from one point A to another point B as the angle measured clockwise from the north line at A to the line segment AB.
Be aware that bearings are always read looking outwards from the specified point.

Understand how bearings are applied in real world scenarios such as navigation.
Acknowledge that bearings can be used to give the direction of travel, or the direction from one point to another.

Investigating Bearings

Develop the skill to use rulers and protractors to measure distances and angles on scale diagrams.
Learn to calculate bearings when given other bearings and angles or when working with triangles.
Contrast the way bearings are described (using three digits) with the way normal angles are usually described (using two digits).

Applying Bearings in Geometry

Recognise that bearings can be determined using properties of parallel lines and alternate angles.
Understand that bearings allow calculation or determination of other angles in geometric problems, and vice versa.
Remember that understanding and ability to use bearings are essential for solving many geometric and navigational problems.