Carlyon Beach School

So much more than a beach day!

The beach is full of possibility and can provide the ideal blend of adventure, fun and learning.  The beaches at Carlyon Bay, near St Austell, offer Aspire Outdoors a natural outdoor environment where real world and progressive, practical learning skills can be developed.  

In the bay to the west lies Crinnis Beach with its distinct outcrop of rock, commonly known as Crinnis Island, sloping gently seawards. The central beach at Shorthorn is set against a backdrop of sandy dunes and has been identified as an area of national importance by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, while its neighbour Polgaver Beach, a rich and verdant nature reserve, completes this unbroken stretch of south coastline. 

Our Carlyon Beach School site has good road access, parking and nearby services.  It is secure and meets the Trust's exacting safeguarding requirements while still providing an appropriately challenging and diverse environment for young children to learn. 

The Carlyon Beach School base includes:

• Cabin for staff including kettle/small fridge/first aid/ desk working facilities
• Cold water feed 
• Large walk-in container for storage,equipped with outdoor learning resources including wet weather kits for all age groups
• Portaloo and mobile washing facilities (12 other portaloos available on the beach)
• Covered shelter
• Good road access and mini-bus parking area
• Secure fencing to cordon area off completely from public access 

The Trust respects the ecology and natural environment of Carlyon Bay and seeks to source eco-friendly, high quality resources with low impact in terms of appearance.  The site is cleaned and cleared daily and all equipment stowed safely and securely.  

Planned activities are linked closely to the National Curriculum and designed around current class topics.  All are tailored to promote confidence and encourage risk taking, independent thinking and make pupils more self-reliant. Teamwork and the fostering of respect for the natural environment is encouraged at all times. 

Activities include:

• Beach combing, beach cleans, fire lighting, campfire cooking, shelter building, raft building, beach art, underwater & 'natural' music

Topics include:

• Ecology of rock pool invertebrates
• Animal tracks and signs
• Coastal flora
• Marine ecosystems
• Climate change & ocean pollution
• Marine conservation