Water WISE

Outdoor Learning for Schools

The Canoe Centre delivers a Teach WISE - aligned outdoor education programme for schools, bringing water safety, decision-making, wellbeing, and environmental awareness out of the classroom and into a real, river environment.

Based at the Canoe Centre on the River Liffey, this programme uses experiential learning to support students of all ages in developing awareness, confidence, and personal responsibility around water.

Our philosophy

Sessions are age-appropriate, inclusive, and adapted to the developmental stage, experience, and needs of each group, with a strong emphasis on:

• Awareness
• Judgement
• Confidence

What Students Learn

Through guided outdoor experience, students develop:

• Awareness of rivers and natural water environments
• Understanding of hazards and environmental conditions
• Decision making and personal responsibility
• Communication, and awareness
• Confidence through supported outdoor learning in real-world context.

Alignment

Our programme aligns with the Teach WISE framework by:

• Connecting classroom learning to real world environments
• Reinforcing water safety awareness through lived experience
• Developing risk perception and decision-making skills
• Encouraging personal responsibility and shared awareness
• A stand-alone outdoor learning experience
• A practical extension of Teach WISE
• A whole-school water safety and wellbeing initiative

Curriculum & Wellbeing Links

The programme aligns naturally with:

• Teach WISE
• SPHE & Wellbeing
• Physical Education
• Geography (rivers, environments, eco systems)
• Outdoor & Experiential Learning frameworks

What’s Included

• River awareness and hazard identification
• Understanding flow, features, and environmental change
• Introductory paddle sport exposure (where appropriate)
• River safety and rescue awareness
• Group decision-making activities
• Guided reflection and discussion by the riverbank

Flexible Delivery Options for Schools

Schools can choose:

• Single-class or year-group sessions
• Stand-alone school days
• Multi-day outdoor learning blocks
• Integration into existing wellbeing or outdoor programmes
• Bespoke delivery tailored to school needs

Safety & Supervision

• Delivered by qualified and experienced instructors
• Clear risk assessments and group management plans
• Always supervised
• Calm, supportive, learning environment

Why Choose the Canoe Centre

We specialise in holistic outdoor education for schools

• Professional paddle sport and outdoor instruction
• Strong safety culture
• Calm, student-centred teaching
• Experiential learning and reflection
• Respect for the natural environment

Students develop confidence, awareness, and life skills that transfer beyond the river.

Call or WhatsApp us on 01 6264363