Marine Institute Explorers Education Programme successfully delivers first-ever teacher training in Donegal
The Marine Institute's Explorers Education Programme is pleased to announce the successful completion of its inaugural marine education Continuing Professional Development (CPD) teacher training course in County Donegal. The landmark training was delivered by Explorers Officers David McCann and Aodán Ó Cearbhaill, with support from the Donegal Education Support Centre.
Dr Rick Officer, CEO of the Marine Institute, praised the initiative and the expansion of the Explorers Education Programme's teacher training across Ireland’s coastal communities. This summer, the courses were run in 5 locations reaching over 75 primary school teachers in Donegal, Galway, Kerry, West Cork, and Wicklow.
“We congratulate Donegal on its first rollout, providing training in a county with such a strong marine heritage," said Dr Officer. "The dedication of the teachers and the Explorers team truly reflects the deep and enduring bond this community shares with the ocean. Reconnecting with the seashore through these programmes highlights the immense value the ocean has for all of us."
He added: “As we celebrate 20 years of the Explorers Programme, we value our ongoing collaborations with the Department of Education’s local education support centres in Galway, Tralee-Kerry, West Cork, Blackrock–Dublin, and Donegal. Their guidance helps us develop content that supports and inspires teachers to bring marine themes to life in the curriculum—whether that be by collecting plankton samples, or learning about marine birds, sharks, and whales.”
Embracing the Outdoors and Curriculum Changes
The five-day immersive CPD course brought the ocean into the classroom, providing local educators with the tools, resources, and confidence to integrate marine themes into their teaching practice.
"We are absolutely delighted with the engagement we saw during our first-ever teachers' training course in Donegal," said David McCann, the Explorers Officer leading the local programme. "With recent changes in the Irish primary school curriculum, we are seeing an increase in teachers using the outdoors to provide children with invaluable skills. The seashore is a phenomenal location for this."
The course featured highly practical, hands-on activities. "Teachers explored our incredible marine biodiversity, from learning about seaweeds to discovering rockpool species like crabs, starfish, and anemones," McCann explained. "We also introduced concepts of climate change and sustainability, where teachers developed STEM skills by building tide defences, and deepened their understanding of marine spatial planning using the Real Map of Ireland."
The Wellness Benefits of Blue Space
Beyond practical science, the training placed a strong emphasis on the wellness benefits of outdoor, marine-based education. Spending time in "blue spaces"—areas near water—can reduce stress, encourage mindfulness, and boost overall health. By immersing themselves in the coastal environment, participating teachers experienced these restorative benefits first-hand, empowering them to create calming and health-focused learning environments for their students.
The Explorers Education Programme is funded by the Marine Institute and managed by the Camden Education Trust and Galway Atlantaquaria. Outreach delivery is provided by a national network of partners: SeashoreKids, Oceanics Surf School, Old Cork Waterworks Experience, Galway Atlantaquaria, Sea Synergy, Leave No Trace – Ireland, and The Sea Collective.
ENDS
Media Contact:
Cushla Dromgool-Regan,
Explorers Education Programme & Communications Manager
Phone: 087 9185519
Website: www.explorers.ie
About the Marine Institute
The Marine Institute is Ireland’s scientific agency responsible for supporting the sustainable development of the State’s maritime area and marine resources. The Institute conducts applied research and provides scientific knowledge, advice, and services to government and industry. www.marine.ie.