AN INDEPENDENT school in Bournemouth is set to expand its Beach School initiative.

Park School launched Beach School last June, in which every class enjoyed a day on the beach, learning skills such as beach safety, knot tying, making shelters, creating collaborative art, and carrying out beach cleans after each visit.

Due to the success of the initiative, the school will open it to its nursery, Dean Park Day Nursery, giving the youngest children the opportunity to learn about the beach and its ecosystems.

The school has a theme each term. This term, pupils will be learning how the seashore is always changing, before focusing on the importance of looking after the seashore environment in the summer term.

Samantha Rodwell, head of the Beach School, said: “The Beach School has been an amazing opportunity for our pupils to apply the knowledge they learn in the classroom.

Bournemouth Echo:

“We’ve seen real growth in the children’s confidence as they get to grips with the science and geography behind beach life, and we’re very excited to continue to develop their understanding of subjects they may not learn about in a typical classroom. It’s been a resounding success.”

Headteacher Melanie Dowler said: “I am extremely impressed with how this unique type of education has really engaged our pupils, helping them to learn and absorb classroom learning through practical application.

“The Beach School programme has not only deepened their understanding of how our beach and its ecosystem works but it’s also developed their confidence, resilience, and independence, which is vital at an early age.

“Living right near the beach, we are giving the children the opportunity to learn about their surroundings and community, which is just as important as any other educational trip.

“We want our pupils to become well-rounded individuals leaving us with a plethora of practical skills to help them in later life.”