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 over 40 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: beachschoolsni@yahoo.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 sessions throughout the year for preschoolers and children of primary school age. Parents can book to join sessions on a first come basis as and when classes are advertised. We also partner 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.

You can view our timetable here

Get in touch with us at

beachschoolsni@yahoo.com

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.

Get in touch

Contact beachschoolsni@yahoo.com for more information.

FAQs

Who is responsible for my child during the session?

The adult accompanying your child will be responsible for their supervision at all times during the Beach Schools session.

What if the weather is bad?

We don’t let cold temperatures or rain stop us but we will not go out in very poor conditions. We will make the final decision ahead of the session keeping the safety of the group paramount.

What do we need to wear?

Parents and children need to dress for the weather conditions. Beaches are very exposed environments and it is essential that clothing is warm and waterproof on wet windy days and sun hats and sun cream are applied when the sun is shining. Due to the nature of activities surfaces may be uneven so shoes with a good grip, or wellies, must be worn at all sessions.

Do you go into the water?

Beach Schools NI is a beach programme so at the very most children will paddle to ankle deep in the sea or rock pools. It may be a good idea to bring spare clothes and a towel just in case.

Do you give refunds if I can't attend?

A refund will only be given if the session is cancelled by Beach Schools NI. If a child cannot attend we will make all efforts to offer an alternative session if one is available.

Where do we meet?

The location will be indicated in your booking email and Maggie will meet you on the beach. If you have any queries call 07858759414 or email in advance at beachschoolsni@yahoo.com

FAQs

Who is responsible for my child during the session?

The adult accompanying your child will be responsible for their supervision at all times during the Beach Schools session.

What if the weather is bad?

We don’t let cold temperatures or rain stop us but we will not go out in very poor conditions. We will make the final decision ahead of the session keeping the safety of the group paramount.

What do we need to wear?

Parents and children need to dress for the weather conditions. Beaches are very exposed environments and it is essential that clothing is warm and waterproof on wet windy days and sun hats and sun cream are applied when the sun is shining. Due to the nature of activities surfaces may be uneven so shoes with a good grip, or wellies, must be worn at all sessions.

Do you go into the water?

Beach Schools NI is a beach programme so at the very most children will paddle to ankle deep in the sea or rock pools. It may be a good idea to bring spare clothes and a towel just in case.

Do you give refunds if I can't attend?

A refund will only be given if the session is cancelled by Beach Schools NI. If a child cannot attend we will make all efforts to offer an alternative session if one is available.

Where do we meet?

The location will be indicated in your booking email and Maggie will meet you on the beach. If you have any queries call 07858759414 or email in advance at beachschoolsni@yahoo.com

Testimonials from Schools

“The pupils gained knowledge both practical and theory in regards to things that live on our beaches, types of shells and seaweed. They talked about and thought about the dangers of rubbish on our beaches. They also just had a fantastic experience in an outside classroom”

– Ben Madigan Prep

“Maggie what a fantastic morning! Thank you so much ! Best trip ever. We loved it. Thanks again”

– Ballysally Primary School

“Overall a fantastic learning experience for children and staff. Thank you Maggie. Definitely see you again”

– Holy Rosary Nursery School

“The session made pupils aware of the learning opportunities which are available to them outside the classroom environment. It provided them with valuable teamwork skills and allowed them to have experiences which are very new and unfamiliar to them”

– Fourtowns Primary School

“The children learnt about local wildlife, the names of different sea creatures. They were able to explore the beach and enjoyed being active in the outdoors.”

– St. Comgall’s Primary School

“All the activities were really well organised and suitable for the age and abilities of the children. They had great fun and we will definitely use Beach Schools NI again.”

– Irish Society Primary School

“The children absolutely loved Beach School and you gave them memories that will last a lifetime.”

– Whitehouse Primary School

Testimonials from Parents

“Our experience of Beach School NI – fun filled, action packed learning to value and protect the world about us.”

– MC

“Our children live in the city, so when they take part in Beach School sessions, they are not only enjoying being by the sea, rock pooling, holding crabs and hunting for pirate treasure, they are also learning about the coastal environment and developing a deep respect of the sea and how to look after our beautiful beaches. Maggie helps the children to learn about the coast through fun, creative and inspiring activities which they take with them back to the city, telling their own teachers about spiny spider crabs and walking the plank! My children now get very angry when they see plastic or litter on the beach and have a very healthy respect for the coast and shoreline. We can’t wait for our next sessions with Maggie!”

– NM

“The beach school was really fantastic for our two grandchildren. It was really educational and a lot of fun. It is amazing all the different sea creatures that can be found at low tide. All you need is a net and a bucket. A lovely experience for young and old.”

– SSH

“We loved beach school! We have since bought a crab line and successfully caught and released many crabs! Your sessions gave us lots of ideas for fun exploration at the beach. We already love the beach but you have expanded our activities. Lots of fun ahead for us when we’re in Portstewart!”

– AM

Latest from Facebook

Beach Schools NI

17 hours ago

Thanks to all who have already booked their spaces for Easter Beach School. Still some availability on all sessions but filling fast so don't wait too long!! #outdoorfun ... See MoreSee Less

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Could I book one into the 10-11 session and two into the 11.30 - 12.30 session in Portballintrae on the 14th please .

Neale Archibald!! Need to make our plans!!

Tracy Beattie Jack Farrell

Beach Schools NI shared a post.

2 days ago

Thanks to Rathgael Vetinary Group for raising awareness of these poisonous parsnips. Take care and spread the word to keep others safe.!!!WARNING!!!

Following Storms Ciara and Dennis the coastal path and beaches have lots of poisonous parsnips on them, DO NOT touch or let your dog eat them! Symptoms like vomiting and collapse can happen within minutes and it can be fatal.

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Beach Schools NI shared a photo.

2 days ago

Look at those waves at Portrush! Great photo by #primeshotsni . Can't wait to see what the storms have washed in. If you are along the beach in next few days and find anything interesting pop a picture below.🌊📸
⚠️Please keep safe near stormy seas. ⚠️ ... See MoreSee Less

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Beach Schools NI

5 days ago

More time to learn outdoors during school would be such a good investment for pupil well being. ... See MoreSee Less

We need fewer exams and more wilderness in education

theguardian.com

Instead of pumping time and money into exams, we should focus on wellbeing and encouraging children to connect with the natural world

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Kelly Guthrie

Beach Schools NI

1 week ago

Delighted to launch the dates of our 'Family Beach School Sessions' this Easter. Book soon to avoid disappointment. See below for details. ... See MoreSee Less