Explorers Teachers Training gears teachers up for new Primary School Framework curriculum
14th July 2023: Over 75 primary school teachers took part in the Marine Institute’s Explorers Continuing Professional Development marine-themed 5-day training courses this month, where they learned the value of integrating marine themes in their teaching as part of the new Primary School Curriculum Framework.
Patricia Orme, Corporate Services Director, Marine Institute described the courses as “key to introducing marine knowledge to teachers to share with their classes, schools and communities, particularly at a time when we need to engage our communities with the value of the ocean, marine biodiversity and with understanding climate change.”
“Based on the teacher’s feedback, it is rewarding to know that the teachers are excited about using the Explorers seashore resources, as well as our marine themed content for class and school projects in the new school year,” Ms Orme said. 
“The seashore courses provided teachers this year with an opportunity to explore sand dunes and rock pools, create art pieces from flotsam and jetsam, carry out beach-clean games and learn about seashore animals and different types of seaweeds. This is a fun and interactive way to teach children about our ocean, marine biodiversity, as well as addressing serious issues such as marine pollution and climate change”, said Cushla Dromgool-Regan, Explorers Education Strategic Manager.
“As a number of teachers noted in their feedback, the Explorers educational resources and content supports the new Primary Curriculum Framework and is an excellent way to integrate cross curricular content throughout much of the year using thematic learning,” added Ms Dromgool-Regan.
We are also delighted to be providing the Explorers online course: ‘Exploring Ireland’s Seashore through science +’ which is being delivered through pre-recordings and online support. This online course provides an excellent introduction to teaching marine themes in the classroom and will be available up until the 18th August.
The Explorers summer CPD courses have been developed and carried out by the Explorers team including, Galway Atlantaquaria, Leave No Trace, Sea Synergy, Old Cork Waterworks Experience, Oceanics, and Camden Education. The courses were supported by the Galway, Tralee, and West Cork Education centres, as well as Waterford teachers centre. All the courses are approved for EPV certification by the Department of Education and Skills.
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Cushla Dromgool-Regan
Marine Institute's Explorers Education Programme
Mobile: + 353 (0) 87 9185519
Email: cushla.dromgoolregan@thecamdentrust.org
Website: www.explorers.ie