As the summer holidays commence, it marks the conclusion of a brilliantly busy season of school groups who’ve been visiting since April.
Newquay Activity Centre played host to over 20 different school groups from all over the UK, and as far afield as Spain, Italy and France. Pupils ranged in age from 7 years old right up to college kids, and between them they participated in all of our different activities, lifeguard trials, surfing, bodyboarding, paddlesports and coasteering, in a variety of different packages.
We are passionate about delivering amazing activities for schools, it’s a big part of what we do here at NAC. Our aim is to help children build skills for life, as well as create experiences and memories that children will remember for years to come.
It’s lovely seeing kids in their element, out in the fresh air and sunshine, away from screens, and just enjoying the novelty of being kids. Whilst we’re educating them about the beach environment, how to stay safe in the water, and teaching them communication and teamwork skills through ocean activities, they’re also building sandcastles, playing tag, laughing, running and splashing. By reminding them to keep the beach clean and leave no trace, we’re also providing them with positive role model behaviour, and showing how even small individual acts can contribute positively to the bigger picture.
Our final week of school groups was a local collaboration with Tretherras School, and it was 5 action packed days of fun and learning. Pupils, teachers, and the star of the show, Barbara the golden retriever, participated in super stand up paddleboarding, surfing, bodyboarding and lifeguard skills. It was a real highlight, and a superb way to end the school group season; seeing local kids thriving in the ocean environment, supporting their peers, stepping outside of their comfort zones and building relationships with their classmates and teachers outside of the usual school routine.
Lessons are stripped back down at the beach, no computers, whiteboards or fashion shows, the uniform is simply a wetsuit, sandy toes and a sunkissed nose. The natural marine environment is one of the greatest classrooms we could wish for, and we look forward to sharing it with our school groups again next year.
