
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!

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

What we do
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 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
Simple but so effective from Beach4Art
Love it!
Great to be involved with the Healthy Oceans Healthy Minds campaign this week and enjoy some fun by the sea! #LiveHereLoveHere
It is very exciting to be part of the 'Health Oceans Healthy Minds' campaign next week run by #LiveHereLoveHere. I will be running a free
Delighted to help cook s'mores today with the inspirational staff and members of the #maemurrayfoundation. What an amazing charity, making the beach and sea accessible
Beach fun for all at Benone beach as charity helps disabled people surf | ITV News
The Mae Murray foundation has been helping disabled people enjoy the summer water at Benone beach | UTV News