About Beach Schools NI
Beach Schools is a new development of the internationally acclaimed Forest Schools Programme which places an emphasis on outdoor learning and engagement for children of all ages. The aim of Beach Schools is to get children outdoors and to ignite the fun of exploration, discovery and learning within coastal environments.
Beach Schools are springing up throughout the UK and Beach Schools NI is the only beach schools centre in NI run by a professionally trained beach schools practitioner. Beach Schools NI provides a range of short interactive sessions and schools programmes throughout the year, for kids of all ages, whatever the weather.
It’s time to explore the shore!
Welcome to Beach Schools NI, the first beach school programme in Northern Ireland. I am passionate about outdoor learning and as a geography teacher and mother of two young boys I want them to grow up with an enthusiasm and love for the outdoors. Recently, while living in England, my two year old son engaged in all sorts of sensory beach school activities which he loved! These activities supported his development and the physical exercise and fresh air helped him to sleep at night, which was a bonus! I could see the potential of beach schools to transform the learning experience of our children. In 2017 I trained in England to be a Beach Schools Practitioner and now I’m excited to bring the concept to Northern Ireland. Where better to launch NI’s first beach school than on the spectacular and award winning beaches of the north coast. Let’s change the story of how our children learn by getting outdoors, being active and having lots of fun. – Maggie
It’s time to explore the shore!
Welcome to Beach Schools NI, the first beach school programme in Northern Ireland. I am passionate about outdoor learning and as a geography teacher and mother of two young boys I want them to grow up with an enthusiasm and love for the outdoors. Recently, while living in England, my two year old son engaged in all sorts of sensory beach school activities which he loved! These activities supported his development and the physical exercise and fresh air helped him to sleep at night, which was a bonus! I could see the potential of beach schools to transform the learning experience of our children. In 2017 I trained in England to be a Beach Schools Practitioner and now I’m excited to bring the concept to Northern Ireland. Where better to launch NI’s first beach school than on the spectacular and award winning beaches of the north coast. Let’s change the story of how our children learn by getting outdoors, being active and having lots of fun.
– Maggie
Nurseries & Primary Schools
Beach Schools bring learning to life for young children using the teaching ethos ‘classrooms without walls’. Since Beach Schools NI was launched in 2018 we have worked with a large number of schools across Northern Ireland, including primary, secondary and nursery schools. Our sessions can be tailored to support the requirements of the school curriculum and specific areas of interest. For instance, we are often asked to run pirate themed sessions for younger age groups. Suggestions of beach activities that can be aligned to the NI curriculum area are outlined in the section below. Download our school package flyer here – Final Beach Schools Flyer for Teachers For more information contact: info@beachschoolsni.com
What we do
Children will learn to forage for materials, create sculptures from driftwood, learn about the tides and coastal habitats, bird watch, go rock pooling, light fires, cook marshmallows and listen to their favourite pirate stories. Sessions are relaxed and fun and work to a general beach school curriculum set by the practitioner. Beach Schools provide an opportunity for children to develop their curiosity for the natural world while supporting mental and physical welling by encouraging children to play on the sand dunes and splash in rock pools. Beach Schools NI will create a wealth of learning opportunities for your children, creating memories and experiences that will stay with them for life.
What we do
Children will learn to forage for materials, create sculptures from driftwood, learn about the tides and coastal habitats, bird watch, go rock pooling, light fires, cook marshmallows and listen to their favourite pirate stories. Sessions are relaxed and fun and work to a general beach school curriculum set by the practitioner. Beach Schools provide an opportunity for children to develop their curiosity for the natural world while supporting mental and physical welling by encouraging children to play on the sand dunes and splash in rock pools. Beach Schools NI will create a wealth of learning opportunities for your children, creating memories and experiences that will stay with them for life.
Book a Session
Beach Schools NI run family sessions at certain times throughout the year for children aged 2-8yrs. Parents can book to join sessions on a first come basis using our online booking system below.
Beach Schools NI also partners with nursery schools, primary and secondary schools throughout the year to provide classes with a range of fun activities delivered on a shore near you. We also provide staff training for those schools wanting to utilise their local shoreline with classes throughout the year. To book a school session email info@beachschoolsni.com for all the details.
Our Activities
- Rock pooling
- Scavenger huts
- Beach art and crafts
- Building shelters
- Role play – pirates
- Map making
- Science experiments
- Campfires
- Singing and story telling
Our Activities
- Rock pooling
- Scavenger huts
- Beach art and crafts
- Building shelters
- Role play – pirates
- Map making
- Science experiments
- Campfires
- Singing and story telling
Keystage 1 & 2
| Curriculum Area | Beach School activities |
|---|---|
| Language and Literacy | Vocabulary, storytelling, singing, poetry, letter writing |
| Mathematics and Numeracy | Sorting, sequencing, construction, shapes |
| The Arts | Sounds, beach art, crafts, design |
| The World around us | Coastal environment, habitats, ecosystems, weather, local history |
| Personal Development | Confidence building, team work |
| Physical Education | Beach sports, scrambling, active learning |
| Religious Education | Moral responsibilities and values |
Keystage 3
| Curriculum Area | Beach School activities |
|---|---|
| English with Media Education | Vocabulary, storytelling, creative writing, poetry |
| Mathematics and Numeracy | Measures, balance, sequencing, construction, shapes |
| The Arts | Beach materials, creative design, sculpture |
| Learning for Life and Work | Teamwork, confidence building, career opportunities |
| Environment and Society | Coastal environment, habitats, ecosystems, weather, local history |
| Modern Languages | Vocabulary |
| Science and Technology | Shelter building, campfire lighting, science experiments |
| Physical Education | Beach sports, scrambling, active learning |
| Religious Education | Moral responsibilities and values |
GCSE and A-Level
As an experienced Geography teacher I can lead coastal field trips for Geography or Biology courses exploring tidal movements, coastal processes, succession, impact assessments, habitats and sand dune studies.
FAQs
Who is responsible for my child during the session?
What if the weather is bad?
What do we need to wear?
Do you go into the water?
Do you give refunds if I can't attend?
Where do we meet?
FAQs
Who is responsible for my child during the session?
What if the weather is bad?
What do we need to wear?
Do you go into the water?
Do you give refunds if I can't attend?
Where do we meet?
Testimonials from Schools
Testimonials from Parents
Latest from Facebook
Beach Schools NI
If you still need to plan some activity for your kids in July, it would be lovely to see you at Beach School. Sessions run
Beach Schools NI is at Portballintrae Beach.
It was a privilege to work with Dr. Keys and some brilliant students from Cornerstone University in Michigan, USA 🇺🇸 this week. They were completing
Beach Schools NI
🎉BOOKING IS OPEN FOR SUMMER 🎉 Visit our website and get booked in for summer 2025 family sessions this July. For 2-4yrs and 5-8yrs. It
Beach Schools NI
Barrel jellyfish have been washing up on North coast this week. These have a nasty sting so advice is not to touch them even when
Beach Schools NI is at Giants Causeway Coastal Walk.
Training begins for the #macmillancancersupport #mightyhike2025 ....with a fabulous hike from the Giant's Causeway to Dunseverick castle this morning. North coast views 💙 were superb.
Beach Schools NI
Well done Portrush!! The fabulous beaches are definitely a huge attraction.
Beach Schools NI
Wishing all our followers a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. Hopefully, in the midst of the hustle, you can get a moment
Beach Schools NI
An unplanned dander along the coast today became a longer trek, as views like this kept popping up around every bend. Blessed to call this
Beach Schools NI
Summer is coming.....honestly! It would be lovely to see you and your kids at Beach School this year. Spaces are limited so grab your spot
Beach Schools NI
There is still some limited availability for our family sessions this summer. Book online at www.beachschoolsni.com and come explore the shore with us. #portballintrae #portstewart