Educational Programmes
Outdoor Classroom - Ecological Studies
Curriculum Based Field Trips, these field explorations will boost the students understanding of Ecology and its everyday application. They will encounter plants and animals in a variety of habitats as they explore and study one or more of the different ecosystems i.e. Sand Dunes, Salt marsh, intertidal mud flats/sand flats, shingle embankments and rock pools. The Sand Dunes are well developed and contain several habitats listed on Annex 1 of the EU Habitats Directive. The Salt marsh is fairly extensive. It is the Lagoon type of Salt marsh which is the rarest type in Ireland. The area is a special area of Conservation. Ecological definitions such as nutrient recycling, food chains/webs, competition, predation and pollution/human impact on habitats and ecosystems will be used as students explore the various habitats.
Leaving Certificate Ecology – Scientific Study of an Ecosystem.
Facilitating the ecology element of the biology syllabus
- Using different surveying techniques carry out a vegetation, invertebrate & vertebrate survey
- Investigation of the different factors affecting the ecosystem
- Mapping the study area
- Identify a Food Web
Junior Certificate Science – Scientific Study of an Ecosystem.
To facilitate “additional Student Investigations” part of the curriculum
- Using different surveying techniques carry out a vegetation, invertebrate & vertebrate survey
- Investigation of the different factors affecting the ecosystem
- Mapping the study area
- Identify a Food Web
All the above can be over a full day or a half day. Environmental studies involve much outdoor work so please bring;
- A full change of old and warm clothes for each day.
- Sun cream.
- Waterproof raincoat and leggings
- Wellington boots or old shoes
- note book, graph paper, pencils and pen
Transition Year Programmes
Physical Education - Surf Courses
Surfing has become known as one of the best physical workouts for the body. The simple act of lying on a surfboard and maintaining balance interacts all major muscle groups while the physical act of paddling and getting to ones feet enhances flexibility and strength. Surfing is also good fun and cool!
Lessons are carried out in waist depth water. Land and water based comprehensive instruction. Soft learning boards and wetsuits are all provided. Full supervision by qualified staff at all times: Teachers are welcome to participate in the lesson but there is NO obligation to supervise during the activity. Day trips are asked to supervise lunch time. All staff are fully qualified and experienced. Beach is located just 50metres away from Red Cottage.
Surfing Certificate Courses
Option A . An Oceanic Manoeuvres basic introductory Certificate course in Surfing & Bodyboarding with Sea Safety Awareness. Certificate of completion presented to students.
Course can be completed over;
Option B. An Oceanic Manoeuvres Beginners l course in Surfing combined with lecture on Sea Safety, Wave Formation, Long shore drift and tidal effects. Certificate of completion presented to students.
Course can be completed over;
- one day trip 5hrs
- two half days 5hrs (2 x 2.5hr sessions)
Option C. An Oceanic Manoeuvres Intensive Beginners 1 course in Surfing. Aimed at bringing all students to a competent surfing level. Emphases on progressing surfing techniques in paddling, getting to feet, bottom turn, trim line and style. Combined with lecture(s) on Sea Safety, Wave formation, long shore drift and tidal effects. Certificate of completion presented to students.
Course can be completed over;
* book 4 different half days over the school term or school year. (10hrs = 2.5hrs x 4)
* two days combined with an overnight stay (arrive 2pm depart 3pm next day)
Environmental Field Studies - Ecology Study
This study is a great fun way to provide the experience and all the skills that fieldwork involves.
Hike N’ Nature - This highly popular experience was researched and written by Eanna Ni Lamhra in 1999 and has been further developed by Grace O’ Sullivan.
Option A Students experience “Hands on” science and nature as they explore the uniqueness of Tramore’s Sand Dune and Salt marsh systems. Habitats, Conservation and Coastal erosion in the bay of shipwrecks are but some of the other topics imparted.
Study can be completed over;
- one half day 2.5hrs
- Daytrip - combine with a half day of surfing or another activity
- Overnight - combine with an adventure break
Option B A Four Seasons (Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer) exploration of the unique special area of conservation that is the Sand Dunes and Back strand. Especially popular with Transition Years owing to the attached project work on habitats, migration and tides.
Study can be completed over;
- book 4 different half days over the school year (2.5hrs x 4 hikes)
- combine with a certificate course on surfing over the school year
Group Activities Menu – Fun & Adventure
½ Day Fun & Adventure or why not bring a packed lunch and stay for the day. Combine any of these activities with a Surfing course or an Outdoor classroom programme. Hot food can also be delivered from local Take- Aways.
Half Day Tours & Day Trips
Ages 12years to 18years approx.
Activity suitable for icebreaking trip, first years, TY’s etc.
Surfing
A beginner lesson including provision of wetsuits (winter and summer suits), foam surfboards, dry surf lesson & safety talk, Fully life guarded
Time 3hrs Minimum group 8
Beach Discovery
Guided natures walk on the seashore. There is nothing more refreshing to mind and body than an invigorating walk along one of Ireland’s unique seashores. A challenging outdoor experience that leaves students with an enhanced connection with the natural world. Time 2hrs Minimum group 8
Team Challenges
Street Orienteering
A Team Challenge Event of fun and entertainment. Groups are split into teams of 2 to 5 persons, supplied with a clipboard, clue sheet and pen. The objective being to decipher clues which will allow the Team to find their way while other teams are in hot pursuit, all against a running clock. It’s a Whirlwind Discovery Tour of Tramore Town using Cryptic clues and directions to stimulate and challenge both body and mind. Format Introductory talk and route explanation, start of clock, departure of individuals groups, return of all teams, Debriefing and presentation of prizes. Physical fitness is not essential to win this team challenge. The fastest team with the most correct answers wins, which means that the slowest team can still win as long as they have more correct answers then any other team! Time 2hrs Minimum group size 10
Sand Sculpting
A Team Event of inventiveness and cooperation. Groups are split into teams of 2 to 5 persons, and as the clock starts are supplied with a clipboard, a sheet of paper and a pencil. “A theme” is their challenge on which they must create a sand sculpture by only using material available to them on the beach. All sculptures must be completed within the time limit of 1.5hrs. Debriefing and presentation of prizes takes place. Judges decision is finale!
Time 2hrs Minimum group size 10
Residential programmes for schools & youth
We offer accommodation packages to groups and schools and the option of a full activity programme. There are many types of accommodation available within the Town of Tramore and Waterford City that are suitable for our residential programmes. You can choose from hostel accommodation to self catering to hotel depending on your budget spend. We offer residential programmes for 1 to 2 nights. We have an extensive evening entertainment selection from which you can choose an evening activity to suit your group size and age.
Prices are based on the package selection. Multi-activity packages can be put together depending on your choice of activities. We will build a programme for you inclusive of meals and your choice of accommodation. There are discounts available for large groups.
Holistic Health *
Workshops and activities guaranteed to be original and fun!!
‘Teenage groups’
Acupressure massage and Qi energy workshop
Learn the ancient therapy of acupressure which uses finger pressure on specific acupressure points on the body. This pressure can release ‘healing’ energy throughout the body. Learn how to perceive your own Qi energy, your friend’s energy and see what effect this energy can have on a person.
Real relaxation and de-tox breathing workshop
Exam stress can affect all teenagers. This workshop is designed to find different ways of tackling stress, tips on memory and concentration and how to use your breathing to energize and cleanse your body
Indian Head Massage Workshop
Learn the art of Indian Head Massage – a massage performed on the back, shoulders, neck, head, face and scalp while fully dressed and while sitting on a chair. This makes this massage very portable as all you need is your hands. A very enjoyable and fun way to learn massage.
Dance Classes -A basic dance steps foundation class.
A one off dance class aimed at teaching basic step combinations and movements which can be adapted and applied to create the students own style of dance and choreography. 1hr in duration. Excellent as an evening entertainment class for groups staying overnight.
Pilates or Boxercise Fitness Class
One hour of exercise. Choose between the slow movements of pilate’s to the vigorous exercise of Boxercise. Both encourages muscle strengthen & tone while improving Flexibility & balance. An excellent way to spend an evening having already worked a lot of the same muscles earlier by surfing!
Kiting
A two person team event where students follow initial instructions and build a flyable kite. Kites are constructed using plastic, duck tape and dowel. Their challenge is to complete construction of two kites within a 40 minute time frame and demonstrate that their kite can fly. Debriefing and presentation of prizes takes place. Judges decision is finale!
Cycle Tours
One or two hour guided cycling tours of the Tramore area. Tours will be carried out at an easy pace in small groups with nobody getting left behind. The emphasis will be on taking in the sights and sounds and getting plenty of fresh air with plenty of stops to sample some of the South East Coasts finest scenery. May be used as early evening entertainment during the bright evening months.
There are many other activities in Tramore and Waterford that can included here. Some schools decide to travel the 8km to Waterford city and go on a guided historical walking tour or take in a concert in Christ Church Cathedral. Others opt for bowling or the cinema or simply to just go shopping. If staying in Tramore some other options would be to take a guided visit of the Lifeboat station, go horse riding or practice a bit of golf at Newtown driving range where they will hire clubs to those that didn’t bring their own.
Our unique portfolio of activities allows you with the help of Linda in our booking office to design your own stay and experience with Oceanic Manoeuvres.
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