Our programme Coastal Curriculum reflects the diverse nature of PCF’s work relating to coastal issues and opportunities. Workshops can be in school or at a coastal site, and we are happy to work across all key stages
PCF’s programme is led by a qualified teacher. PCF’s network and Marine Energy Wales members provide a valuable network of individuals and organisations involved around our coast to give your pupils an authentic insight into their work.
Climate Change Adaptation and the Coast
PCF’s staff working on the Coastal Communities Adapting Together (CCAT) project have been researching and gathering a list of quality climate change resources that could be used in schools and also for others. Click here for links to these educational resources for all ages on the themes of climate change adaptation and the coast.
Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM)
PCF is the home of Marine Energy Wales (MEW) and the Marine Energy Test Area (META) project. We can offer an in-school workshop suitable for KS2 or KS3 which develop pupils understanding of renewable energy and the development of marine energy generation.
With support from MEW members, we can arrange field trips for your school to marine energy devices so pupils can see the innovation in this exciting sector for themselves and meet with people at the forefront of this emerging sector.
We have educational resources available to download and use on the Marine Energy Wales website. Please have a look and let us know what you think.
Coastal Challenge Days
Our Coastal Challenge Days are an opportunity for learners to investigate what has shaped our coast and communities. With expert contributors from PCF’s network, groups can observe the processes at work and the management of our changing coastline. The visits can be tailored to support a particular subject area or a wider topic.
Careers and Business
PCF offers links to coastal businesses from large employers such as the Port of Milford Haven to smaller enterprises in a wide range of sectors. Pembrokeshire’s location offers challenges to creating a vibrant economy but there are opportunities and rewarding careers by or on the sea.
Case Studies
Marine Energy
Golden Grove School, Pembroke
Year 5/6 pupils from Golden Grove School visited Carew Tidal Mill near Pembroke. This is an intact example of a 19th-century tidal mill. Pupils find out about how the power of the tides was harnessed to produce flour from wheat grain. At the cutting edge of technology at the time of its construction, it is the forerunner of modern Tidal schemes such as the proposed Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon.
Pupils then visited Milford Haven to see Marine Power Systems (MPS) WaveSub device. Pupils heard first hand from engineers who worked on the device and found out how its components worked together to capture the energy from the Waves.
This trip was part of a series of similar trips, other schools that also took part in similar fieldwork were Lamphey CP, St Florence VC, Haverfordwest VC.
This work was made possible by a partnership between PCF, MPS, Darwin Science, Pembrokeshire College, Carew Castle and Tidal Mill (PCNPA), funding for school transport was provided by the Bluestone Foundation.
Coastal Challenge Days
3 secondary schools and 7 primary schools took part in Coastal Challenge Days to find out about the management of coastal areas around Pembrokeshire. We worked alongside stakeholders from around the coast to give pupils a glimpse into their different perspectives.
Ysgol Bro Gwaun, Fishguard
Ysgol Bro Gwaun at Newgale beach
Year 10/11 geography pupils from Ysgol Bro Gwaun visited two locations to look at erosion and coastal management. Students participated in workshops led by Consultant Geologist Dr Sid Howells Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Ranger Ian Meopham, and PCF. Students learned about the physical processes that have shaped Newgale, the coastal features that can be observed and the human uses of the site. Pupils were asked to consider the impact of the movement of the shingle bank on the road. Pupils proposed their own solutions and these were compared to the proposals that went for consultation. At Abermawr pupils were able to observe erosion from natural processes, as well as geological evidence for changes in sea level. Consideration was also given to the impacts of tourism at the two locations.
St Florence School
St Florence pupils on the National Trust’s Stackpole Estate
Year 5 and 6 from St Florence School looked at the management of two very different coastal locations, The National Trust’s Stackpole Estate and The Castlemartin firing range.
In the morning pupils found out from NT Ranger Tom about the creation of the Lily Ponds on the estate. They found out about the aims of the National Trust, how they manage the area for wildlife and visitors. Pupils completed a mapping exercise as they walked past the lily ponds to Broadhaven beach, where they did a Beach Clean with Alex from the NT.
In the afternoon pupils met with Stephen who works at Castlemartin Range. Pupils learned about the history of the Range and what it is used for. Pupils got the chance to see armoured vehicles firing on the Range. Pupils were surprised to find out about how important the Range is for wildlife, and that some species thrive amongst the firing.