Inspiring teachers to make marine studies part of the curriculum

Now in its second year, the marine day conference for teachers took place on Shoreham Beach Local Nature Reserve to inspire teachers about the coast and how they can implement marine studies into the school curriculum.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Jun 2016, 12:35 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 00:50 BST

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The marine day conference for teachers took place on Shoreham Beach Local Nature ReserveThe marine day conference for teachers took place on Shoreham Beach Local Nature Reserve
The marine day conference for teachers took place on Shoreham Beach Local Nature Reserve

“Shoreham beach is the perfect place for such an event” said Steve Savage the conference lead and education co-ordinator on the nature reserve. “The vegetated shingle habitat is a fascinating habitat to explore, as well as the dynamic processes that shape the beach, entwined with an intriguing maritime history”

The conference, heald at the end of last month, was attended by teachers from 15 schools and was based at the Harbour Club, in Harbour Way, overlooking the Adur Estuary.

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Teachers participated in a number of workshop activity on the beach to widen their experience and knowledge.

A major focus of the beach workshop activities was the vegetated shingle habitat and armed with guides the teachers searched for clues as to how these plants not only survive in this inhospitable environment but actually thrive.

Steve said: “The vibrant carpet of colour is always a surprise to people not familiar with vegetated shingle especially when you consider the limited soil and freshwater and the challenges of drying sun and winds and the every present salty sea spray.”

He added: “Plants can sometimes be a difficult topic to get children interested in and so we explored how a study of shingle plants can help support a plant topic.

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“The day concluded with a discussion about the possible impact on Shoreham Beach by climate change, sea level and sea temperature rise and other global issues.”

The conference was run in partnership with South East Grid for Learning Associates and supported by Friends of Shoreham Beach.

To find out more visit the programme see the Friends of Shoreham Beach website at www.fosbeach.com or contact Steve on [email protected]

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