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Shore Academy

Ocean learning starts on the shore. Our Shore Academy connects young minds with the marine world through hands-on exploration, science, and storytelling.
From beach walks and biodiversity discovery to climate awareness and creative play, we empower the next generation of ocean stewards — right here in Britain’s first National Marine Park.

Snorkelling module – confident first steps with masks and fins in sheltered water

Snorkelling

A perfect first look beneath the surface—accessible for mixed abilities and great for confidence.

Prerequisites: Ability to swim 100+ metres

Educational themes: Marine Ecology, PE, Geography & Conservation

Module details
  • Reefs & kelp forests; local wildlife awareness
  • Breath control for calm minds; safe surface skills
  • Optional shoreline exploration (conditions permitting)
Intro to scuba for schools – first bubbles in our pool

Scuba diving

Pool or sheltered shore sessions—first steps toward SCUBA with engaging theory and practical skills.

Prerequisites: Ability to swim

Educational themes: Marine Ecology, Physics, Conservation & PE

Module details
  • Equipment basics, buoyancy & underwater communication
  • Safety routines and buddy skills—paced for each student
  • Pool first; optional sea dip subject to conditions
Freediving basics for schools – breath work and relaxation in pool

Freediving

A level‑up from snorkelling: breath work, relaxation and gentle confidence building.

Prerequisites: Ability to swim 100+ metres

Educational themes: Marine Ecology, Physics, Conservation, PE

Module details
  • Breath‑hold fundamentals & equalisation basics
  • Mind‑calming techniques and safe buddying
  • Optional shoreline exploration (conditions allowing)
Film & media module – underwater filming subject: blue shark

Film & media

From kit handling to shooting and editing—learn marine‑specific photo/video skills on land or in water.

Prerequisites: For in‑water: Snorkel/Freedive/SCUBA experience

Educational themes: Media, Language, English & Technology

Module details
  • Operating & maintaining marine imaging equipment
  • Storyboarding & ethical wildlife filming
  • Create and edit a short sequence
Rockpooling module – hands‑on seashore species ID

Rockpooling

Explore vibrant seashore habitats at carefully chosen local beaches.

Prerequisites: Enthusiasm for adventure

Educational themes: Geography, Conservation, Biology & Ecology

Module details
  • Creature ID, adaptations and ecosystem roles
  • Litter impacts and how to protect marine life
  • Logbooks: record, sketch and reflect
Summit to Sea – river to coast journey and study

Summit to sea

A journey from Dartmoor to the coast—navigation, ecology and river‑to‑sea connections.

Prerequisites: Wanderlust!

Educational themes: Geography, Navigation, Biology & Ecology

Module details
  • Watersheds, migration & map skills
  • Field observation & note‑taking
  • Shore discovery and reflection
Coastal crafts – creative reuse of beach finds, measuring and recording

Coastal crafts

Turn beach finds into creative projects—murals, jewellery and more—while reinforcing conservation messages.

Prerequisites: A creative flair

Educational themes: Art, Graphics, Conservation & Geography

Module details
  • Safe handling & cleaning of materials
  • Design thinking and presentation
  • Linking art to marine stewardship
Strandline discovery – shoreline exploration and beach clean

Strandline discovery

Beach treasures, origins and a beach clean—history, conservation and coastal science in one.

Prerequisites: Curiosity!

Educational themes: Marine Ecology, Conservation, Geography, History

Module details
  • Pottery shards, cuttle bones & driftwood origins
  • Microplastics awareness & mitigation actions
  • Hands‑on beach clean and tally

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