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Encounter-Ocean School Vision
At Encounter-Ocean School, we are deeply passionate about working alongside schools to provide young people with transformative outdoor education experiences. Based in the stunning Fowey Estuary, Cornwall, we aim to connect children with the natural world through water-based activities such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Our vision is to inspire a generation of students who feel a deep sense of place, ownership, and stewardship for their local environment, while also fostering resilience and mental well-being.
We believe that outdoor education offers a unique opportunity to engage students in meaningful, hands-on learning that connects them with the world around them. By incorporating water sports and environmental studies into school curricula, we help children not only develop physical skills, but also an understanding of marine ecosystems, local geography, and the importance of sustainability. Through activities such as paddling, wildlife exploration, and environmental conservation projects, we encourage students to develop essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, and risk management.
Our programs are designed to support the mental and physical well-being of students by building their water confidence, resilience, and ability to manage risks in dynamic outdoor settings. From the early years, when children explore the shallows of Fowey’s tidal pools, to more advanced paddling and environmental projects in later years, we provide a progression that builds trust in the natural world and in their own abilities. By fostering a sense of adventure and responsibility, we empower students to develop a lifelong love of outdoor activity and a commitment to protecting the environment.
We are dedicated to supporting schools in integrating outdoor learning into their curriculum, helping students develop not only practical skills but also a deeper connection to their community and the world around them.
Whether it’s for topic activities, Paddle UK progressive awards or just pure FUN, come and explore the beautiful Fowey Estuary with us here at Encounter Cornwall. Contact us directly for more information regarding costings and bespoke package plans.
Paddle UK
We are an AALA registered school and a Paddle UK delivery partner. We offer a number of programs and packages that cover all key stages and incorporate various different national curriculum subjects. We can also deliver all three Paddle UK Awards, including:
1. Paddle Start Award
2. Discover Award
3. Explore Award
What it includes...
We understand the demands and workloads teachers have and so our intention is to make the experience as easy as possible for your fantastic teaching staff. Due to this each of our packages include the following:
1. Session plan – this includes timings, safety, location details and an overview of the session
2. Risk assessments, operational procedures and insurance cover doc – our generic risk assessment and ops are audited by both AALA and FHC
3. Teaching material – covering relevant key stages and national curriculum topics
Open schooling, learning about the estuary, on the estuary…
2024 saw us successfully deliver the “Guardians of the Estuary” project with Fowey Primary School and the ProBleu Project. This covered 6 open schooling sessions on the water from kayaks. This K2 program saw the students cover the following topics:
1. Ecosystems and Protected Zones
2. Wildlife and Conservation
3. History and Communities
4. “Spot the Stranger” River Clean
5. Tourism and the Port
6. Safety and Rules of the River
We are delighted to offer these to schools moving forward and can tailor them to specific KS groups, with the option of any individual sessions or all.
Once booked we will offer your staff a taster session that will help them familiarise themselves with the equipment, location and our safety procedures.
