ysgol ar y traeth : school on the beach
Colwyn Bay
Designed to suit the changing needs of the children, the days can
include:OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Beach ecology, adaptation, habitats, food chains,
using identification keys. Navigation with maps and compasses, using the wind,
boat design and sails, making and flying kites. The weather, beach formation,
waves and tides. Language associated with or inspired by the sea, myths and
legends, storytelling Art on the beach, light, natural materials, modelling on
sand and producing large scale pictures. Problem solving, teamwork, leadership,
and emotional intelligence. Practical skills, knot work, building shelters,
modelling sand. Water safety, hazards on the beach, survival, risk assessment.
Innovative use of technology such as film making or recording and composing
using the sounds of the beach. Numeracy, literacy, science and technology
curriculum requirements. Opportunity to go on the water in boats or sit on
kayaks or building their own rafts with qualified instructors. This course
offers children the opportunity to get to know an environment in different
conditions and see it change. They work closely with a beach school leader who
has time to develop trusted relationships with the children and respond to both
intellectual and emotional needs and offer challenges that inspire deeper
learning. This is recommended in the Welsh Government guidance for educational
opportunities of this type. Throughout the course we seek to develop emotional
intelligence and offer plenty of adult supported and child led experiences that
allow social skills, self-awareness, self-regulation, self-motivation and
empathy to flourish. There will be the chance to problem solve, work as a team
and independently and show leadership skills. Children will be encouraged to
think creatively, to enquire and to reflect on their own learning. Beach Days
Single days can meet a specific curriculum or school community need and can be
planned with users. They can inspire a school project, add depth to a topic,
offer a completely different and exciting experience and offer a chance for
children to shine in a new environment. These days are planned to suit the needs
of the group and could focus on: The beach environment with rockpooling,
identification and animal adaptations. The development of a seaside town over
time. An introduction to forces through a range of activities. A book, such as
Kenzuke’s Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo, with activities inspired by the story.
Outdoor pursuit challenges in line with the primary PE curriculum. Information
and communication technology While on the beach we can use technology to capture
the experience in pictures, words, sound, film or music. Back at school we can
support the innovative use of technology to develop learning further. Our most
popular day is “A Day at the Beach” which is often used by year 1, though has
been adapted for preschool and years 2-5.
