Beach & Forest School
Bede’s Prep School is located on Eastbourne seafront, on the South Coast, with spectacular views of the sea. It only takes a couple of minutes to walk down to the beach from the school, and the principal playing fields are in a wide natural hollow nestled in the stunning South Downs National Park.
We learn far beyond the classroom.
Beach school
With the beach in such close proximity, it enables our pupils to regularly take their learning outdoors and connect with the natural world. It is Bede’s strong belief that learning takes place beyond the confines of the classroom, and with this in mind, having practical, hands on learning experiences is at the heart of pupils’ education. This is where our wonderful beach school comes in!
Learning in natural settings like the beach provides our school children with real-life practical insight that they can apply to their learning. For example, in science, when studying animals adapting to their environment, the beach provides the perfect place to analyse the birds and sea life. Or, during geography lessons, Bede’s Beach School gives pupils the opportunity to study physical geography, carrying out local fieldwork when looking at coastal erosion and increasing sea level-rise. Even within art and design, the sea shore becomes our pupils’ inspiration when they embark on a cross-curricular project studying the fishing industry.
It is within Bede's values to be compassionate - to others and to the world around us. Not only are lessons taught on the beach, but our pupils regularly help to keep their local shores clean.
They take part in beach litter picks which not only serves our community and environment, but also encourages important, thought-provoking conversations.
As a school, we find that teaching in natural settings like the beach helps to grow our pupils’ independence, confidence and communication skills which in turn support their learning and development as they get older.
Forest School
At Bede’s Prep, our pupils from Nursery to Year 6 benefit from Forest School sessions. These encourage the natural curiosity present in children to enable them to open their eyes and experience the wonders of the world around them.
Forest School offers all learners regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a natural environment. Within Forest School, Bede’s pupils are encouraged to direct their own learning, inspired by their Forest School leader.
Some Forest School activities include making a fire and toasting marshmallows, using tools safely (such as hammer, nails and drills on pumpkins), as well as mud/water play/digging/exploring and arts and crafts. As well as planned activities, we explore and encourage free play and create activities from the pupils’ curiosity to help extend their knowledge and understanding.
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Learn more about what life is like for our Nursery and Prep School pupils
Explore life at Bede's
Nursery
Discover how our nursery provides the perfect start to your child's learning journey
Pre-prep
Learn more about our nurturing Pre-Prep environment
Co-curricular Programme
Discover the wide range of co-curricular opportunities available
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