The Ocean is Our Classroom: Liquid Therapy’s Beach School

There’s a unique kind of magic that happens where the land meets the sea, especially on the rugged coast of Donegal, Ireland.

It’s a place of wild beauty, rolling swells, and, in October, it’s where Liquid Therapy’s Beach School initiative takes the classroom out of the school building and onto the sand. Proving that the ocean isn't just a place to play; it’s a place to learn and grow.

A Classroom Without Walls

For the students of St. Peter’s National School in Mountcharles, the typical morning routine of desks and whiteboards is swapped for wetsuits, sand dunes, and salt air. The program is designed to combine the power of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with the natural wonders of the Irish coast.
But before they even touch the water, the focus is on personal well-being and connection. It’s about grounding yourself in the environment before sharing in the benefits of the ocean.

Building Resilience in the Elements

For Daire Diver, Principal of St. Peter’s National School, the benefits extend far beyond the curriculum. “We signed up to Beach School with Liquid Therapy because it gives our students the chance to learn and grow in a different environment,” he explains.
Standing on the shoreline, watching his students embrace the wind and waves, Daire notes the transformation. “They develop confidence, they have developed resilience, and independent skills through this program.”

The Perfect Day

The true measure of Beach School’s success is found in the stoke of the students.
“I think Beach School is awesome because we get to surf, play fun, and build sandcastles,” says Kieron.

For Tommy, it’s about discovery: “It’s very cool because you get to learn different things and find different rare things. Like today, I found a big massive clam shell in the water!”
And for Erin, the instructors' support made all the difference. “A perfect day at Beach School is when the teachers helped us how to learn how to surf. At first, I didn’t know how to surf, but then when they taught me, I learnt from them.”

Designed for Growth

The program’s unique approach was crafted by Tara Henderson, a primary school teacher and qualified play therapist who has volunteered with Liquid Therapy for years.
“I was in a pretty unique position to help design Beach School,” Tara shares. Her dual expertise ensures that the sessions aren't just educational; they are therapeutic. By blending structured learning with the freedom of surf therapy, the program creates a safe space for children to explore their limits and expand their horizons.

Sharing the Stoke

At Dryrobe®, we believe that the outdoors should be accessible to everyone, no matter the conditions. That’s why we are incredibly proud to support Liquid Therapy, and their Beach School initiative through the Dryrobe® Warmth Project.

Follow Liquid Therapy
Instagram: @liquid.therapy
Website: liquidtherapy.ie

Published on February 19, 2026