Life’s a beach for St Bede’s pupils

The beach became the classroom for pupils at St Bede's Catholic Primary in Bedlington as they put their learning into practice during a special seaside visit.

The Reception children visited Blyth Beach, accompanied by Class Teacher Suzanne Callan, Teaching Assistant Angela Styles, and parent volunteers.

Samantha Fairbairn is Key Stage 1 Lead at the school, and explained how the visit tied in with topics the class had been studying.

“The trip is a fun day out, so all children have visited a beach, which is an important feature of our local area,” she said. “The trip links to the children learning about their local geography and what is in their region.

“It also linked to the topic ‘Our Community and People Who Help Us’. The RNLI came in before the trip to teach the children about water safety, and that they have an integral role in helping people at the beach.”

Trips are planned regularly throughout the year at St Bede’s, with at least one taking place each term per class.

Mrs Fairbairn added: “Trips enhance the curriculum and develop cultural capital for the children visiting theatres, museums, and art galleries regularly throughout their time at school. They visit the library termly.

“It is important to do visits close by so children know their local area, and to enhance local links, but then also aspirational places like galleries and theatres to enhance the children’s understanding of what is out there and available to them.”