Beach School provides fantastic opportunities for cross- curricular learning. It offers the chance to do something different and inspiring and provides great opportunities for multi-sensory learning. Pupils are also given the opportunity to develop important life skills such as team working, confidence in an outdoor setting and emotional intelligence.

A key theme for Beach School ethos is creating relationships with nature. Pupils that attend beach school get an amazing opportunity to connect with the natural environment of the beach. They will explore sand, water and pebbles as well as some of the habitats of wild animals. Being outside and being able to access natural learning opportunities such as outdoor cooking, exploring crab habitats and moving over the waves provides a wealth of learning opportunities.

Pupils are involved in the decision-making process about their experiences at the beach. This offers a chance for their learning to be individualised and pupil centred.

Another principal of Beach School is the opportunity for safe risk taking. We carry out risk assessments that also consider the benefits to pupils of such risks. This allows pupils to develop in confidence. They may take part in activities such as lighting a fire, rock pooling or using tools to create Beach Art.

Activities are planned for Beach School based on the age and stage of pupils attending, tides and seasons. They are always varied and open to adaptations depending on where the pupil’s interests and learning takes us. Examples of activities carried out include:

• Building Shelters
• Environmental/ marine art
• Making crabbing nets
• Rockpooling
• Species identification and information
• Lighting fires
• Outdoor cooking- mini pancakes, hot chocolate

We have use of a beach chalet on the North Bay in Scarborough which provides a base and place to store equipment. We also have use of a beach wheelchair.