Donegal's coastline to become a dynamic classroom thanks to Liquid Therapy

Liquid Therapy, an award-winning surf therapy charity, has announced the launch of the first dedicated Beach School programme in the north-west of Ireland.

This ground-breaking initiative adapts the successful forest school model to Ireland's spectacular coastal environments, offering primary school children a transformative educational experience that combines hands-on experiential learning with the therapeutic benefits of surfing.

Set to begin in May 2025, this landmark programme represents a significant innovation in Irish education. The six-week Beach School programme transforms Donegal's coastline into a dynamic classroom where children develop essential academic skills while forming meaningful connections with Ireland's rich coastal environment.

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“We're thrilled to introduce the Northwest's first Beach School, which perfectly aligns with our mission of making the benefits of the ocean accessible to all," said Tom Losey, Founder and CEO of Liquid Therapy. "This programme uniquely combines curriculum objectives, the learning potential of Ireland’s natural coastal environment, with the powerful therapeutic elements of surf and ocean experiences that are at the core of our work."

What sets Liquid Therapy’s Beach School apart is the use of experiential and enquiry based learning, its integration with the National Curriculum and surf therapy. Each session begins with engaging warm-up games followed by curriculum-linked activities that reinforce learning, as well as surf experiences that build confidence and wellbeing. Sessions conclude with mindfulness practices specifically developed for the coastal environment.

The programme is fully aligned with the Irish primary curriculum, covering elements of Science, Geography, Mathematics, Art, SPHE, and Physical Education through cross-curricular, child-led experiences. Teachers participate as supportive guides rather than traditional instructors, encouraging exploration and discovery.

"This initiative represents a natural evolution of Liquid Therapy’s work," said Tara Henderson, Primary School Teacher, Play Therapist and the programme designer. "By combining Liquid Therapy’s ocean-based programmes with experiential learning linked with the national curriculum, we're creating a truly holistic approach that nurtures both academic growth and emotional development while fostering a deep appreciation for Ireland's coastal environments."

Schools in the Northwest region interested in participating in this pioneering Beach School programme can contact info@liquidtherapy.ie for more details

Liquid Therapy’s Beach School Project has been funded by The Ireland’s Fund. Liquid Therapy is supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development and Pobal through the Community Services Programme.

Liquid Therapy's beach school aims to offer a transformative approach to outdoor education, inspired by the forest school model but uniquely adapted to coastal environments. This innovative programme utilises the coastal environment as a living classroom, integrating national curriculum subjects with hands-on experiences combined with the therapeutic benefits of surf therapy. Beach school programmes are 6 weeks long and aligned with the Irish Primary School Curriculum.