Armed with buckets, spades and a fair amount of trepidation, Reception girls and staff headed to West Kirby beach for their first Beach School experience.
We couldn’t have hoped for a better day, and considering it was January, the weather was truly spectacular! On arrival, we refreshed our knowledge of the ‘Beach Code’ and then set to work.
Our task was to embed symmetry, and so we began collecting resources: bladder wrack, cockle shells, whelk egg cases, drift wood, and some mermaid purses – the girls were excited about each find … it’s amazing what little children can spot! Snacks were enjoyed al fresco on the groyne, before arranging our finds symmetrically.
As often happens with EYFS learning, the learning took an unexpected route when the girls discovered they were able to draw in the sand; letter and name writing became a focus.
To keep the girls active, we embarked on an expedition … the space and freedom to move was truly liberating for them … if time had allowed, they would have made it to Hilbre Island!
Lunch was eaten on the banks of the marina, under the watchful eye of some hopeful seagulls! The girls were very concerned about a plastic bag (not ours) that had blown onto the water – I was unable to get there in time to fish it out – but they already care massively about this, and recognised the importance of taking their litter home.
One of the benefits of Beach School is the excellent sleep you experience as a result of all the fresh air and physical exertion - I for one, slept like a log, and I’m sure the girls did too!
Miss Carmody, Head of The Queen's Lower School
