Partnership brings coastal geography to life for Dallam pupils
Our pupils are set to benefit from innovative new teaching resources that will connect their physical geography curriculum with the dramatic landscape of Morecambe Bay, thanks to a unique collaboration between our geography teacher, Ms Shanley, and Dr Suzana Ilic, a leading oceanographer at Lancaster University.
The ‘Morecambe Bay Curriculum’ partnership selected Ms Shanley to become a Lead Teacher for one of eight curriculum development areas, funded by Lancaster University and Our Future Coast.
Ms Shanley will focus on helping young people explore coastal landscapes, sustainability, and the impact of climate change using Morecambe Bay, the UK’s largest expanse of intertidal mudflats and sand.
Between now and May 2026, Ms Shanley will work alongside Dr Ilic and university researchers to co-create engaging resources that bring classroom learning to life. Together, they will design practical, place-based activities that help students understand complex coastal processes, erosion, tides, and human interaction with the environment.
“We had an overwhelming response to this initiative. Ms Shanley’s application showed experience, enthusiasm and drive to ensure young people have high-quality education in sustainability, their locality and in forming a response to the climate crisis.” University MBC team
“Morecambe Bay offers so many fascinating geographical landforms and processes, yet many young people living nearby rarely get the chance to explore it. I’m passionate about creating resources that make geography real—where students can study the effects of tides, currents and coastal change using a landscape on their own doorstep. Working with Dr Ilic and Lancaster University is an incredible opportunity to develop learning materials that connect curriculum to community and inspire environmental responsibility.” Ms Shanley
The completed resources will be shared with schools across the region as part of the Morecambe Bay Curriculum, helping raise awareness of this unique environment and supporting pupils in developing skills, curiosity and climate literacy.
A note on the curriculum
The Morecambe Bay Curriculum is an educator-led movement and a cross-sector partnership supported by Lancaster University, Lancaster and Morecambe College, University of Cumbria and the Eden Project. The movement’s aim is to empower children and young people to become the change-makers and innovators that our planet needs, through a community-curated, place-based approach to learning about sustainability.
