The Marine Institute’s Explorers Education Programme has been recognised for promoting ocean literacy and driving marine education at the primary school level.
The programme's annual Ocean Literacy, Engagement & Impact Report highlights a range of activities available to schools, supporting the new Primary School Curriculum Framework, 2023.
Dr Rick Officer, CEO of the Marine Institute, congratulated the team, saying that the programme continues to deliver quality initiatives that promote marine education. He referred to marine modules about squid, sea turtles, and deep-sea species, seashore safaris, marine workshops, and maintaining aquariums in the classroom as excellent examples of how the Marine Institute’s Explorers team supports teachers. The Marine Institute’s Explorers Education Programme uses cross-curricular marine content to develop children’s key competencies and ‘blue’ skills in the classroom.
With the objective of creating marine leaders and ocean champions, 28 schools participated in the ‘Healthy Ocean Projects & Ocean Champion Awards’ in 2023. The projects showcased children developing their creative skills through arts, designing boats, taking part in musical performances, and running marine science fairs.
The Engagement & Impact Report notes a highlight of the year was the Explorers Programme winning the ‘Best Education Outreach Award in Ireland,’ presented by Business and the Irish Times. The award recognized the Programme for its excellence in promoting ocean literacy at the primary school level and the work of those delivering it throughout the country.
The Engagement & Impact Report notes a highlight of the year was the Explorers Programme winning the ‘Best Education Outreach Award in Ireland,’ presented by Business and the Irish Times
Explorers Strategic Education and Communications Manager, Cushla Dromgool-Regan remarked that "This recognition was also highlighted at a recent EU ocean literacy event held in support of the UN Ocean Decade conference in Barcelona. Stakeholders are now acknowledging the need to drive marine education globally. It is fantastic to see the Explorers' work and, in particular, the education resources being recognised at this level."
The Marine Institute’s Explorers Education Programme is committed to raising awareness of the marine environment and promoting ocean literacy at the primary school level. With its innovative and engaging initiatives, the programme is creating a new generation of marine leaders and ocean champions.
For more information about the Explorers Education Programme is available here
