Beach Schools give children the opportunity to develop holistically. Holistic development combines an individuals mental, physical, social, emotional and spiritual growth. By giving children the opportunity to develop in an environment such as those in Beach Schools, there is an increased potential for learning.

Cassie Holland (Co-Founder of Bristol Beach Schools)

Curriculum Intent

At Minster-in-Sheppey Primary School, our vision is for every child to be the best they can be – best learner, best friend, and best citizen and our beach school intent is closely linked to these over-arching values. Through our beach school curriculum, we wish to develop our children's personal, social, and emotional skills by providing hands-on experiences in nature, challenging them to take risks, learn new skills and work collaboratively. It is our intent that through a mixture of children led and adult initiated sessions that the children are given the opportunity to develop their curiosity, confidence, self-esteem, creativity, empathy, communication and physical skills, knowledge of the natural environment and ability to assess risk. The curriculum also creates a connection with nature in the local area which we hope will create a lifelong appreciation of the outdoors.

Curriculum Implementation

Each year group visit the local beach at least once per year sometimes taking part in a series of sessions. It is our aim that these sessions will enrich the curriculum by providing outdoor learning which is fun and engaging. Some lessons match closely to the wider curriculum eg, flood defences, human and physical features while others are more discrete with activities which link to our vision of best citizen looking at the environment.

Each session is planned to include a carousel of activities including child initiated as well as adult led. Beach school has a strong a focus on social development, it engages children in a manner that is hard to imitate in the classroom. This creates new opportunities for learning, development and mindfulness that might not be accessed during regular day-to-day schooling.

We are lucky enough to have to be located within walking distance of the Minster Leas beach. Due to its locality children are encouraged to take on tasks such as litter picking to encourage their sense of citizenship within their local community. It helps them to care for and respect the outside environment, enable them to work on their own and with others, give them the space and freedom and the opportunity to relax, enjoy and have fun outdoors.

Our activities are progressive, dependent on the ability and experience levels of the participants, but importantly we ensure that Forest School is accessible for all, following our school SEND across the curriculum document.

Curriculum Impact

We measure the impact of our curriculum through images and videos of the children’s practical learning alongside observations and talking to the children about their learning during reflection. These photos and observations are shared with the bech school lead and shared on the school website for parents and other adults to see the fun the children have during their beach school sessions.

All staff members involved in the beach school are conscious that it is an exploratory experience for the group. They allow the group to play and learn as independently as possible. To promote problem solving tasks are often open ended and to encourage children to take ownership of their learning. This allows the experience to be largely learner directed. The success of beach school can be seen not only when outside during sessions but also in other areas of the children’s school life.

• Physical development: improved gross and fine motor skills, coordination and balance.
• Social and emotional development: enhanced communication skills and teamwork, increased confidence in decision making and emotional regulation.
• Cognitive development: improved concentration, creativity and reflection.
• Environmental awareness: a greater sense of care, respect and understanding for nature.
• Well-being: a stronger sense of self-worth and a calming effect.

It is the role of the beach school leader to support staff to plan beach school sessions. Often, we work in collaboration with  the Medway Swale Estuary Partnership who lead sessions. This is a fantastic opportunity for staff to observe experts and develop their own professional development as well as build their confidence of teaching outdoors.

Yearly evaluation is carried out through a questionnaire and discussions with class teachers and pupils to discover what went well, what was enjoyable, what did not go well and could be improved on.

Our Duke of Minster scheme encourages children to use the skills learnt outside of school. Ideas are shared with the children, such as going for nature walks, scavenger hunts, building dams, flood defences and shelters using their learnt skills in a new way in their local environment.

Click on the image below to view SEND Adaptations in Beach School