At this time of the year, when Grade 9 learners are making very important decisions around their education, their subject choices and their futures, the Two Oceans Aquarium Education Foundation would like to remind them that they can select Marine Science as an eighth subject choice for 2022.
It is being presented in some node schools, but also available for online study.
Marine Science was first offered in three node schools in the Western Cape in 2019. In 2020 it was recognised as an official school subject and in 2021 it was included in the school curriculum.
Since then, a number of students have been receiving tutelage / instruction in the subject, both at the node schools, as well as through the Aquarium Foundation’s online learning programme.
Angelina Jade Ingpen, a learner at Reddam House, who is taking Marine Science as a subject, said that Marine Science is a way for her to learn and experience the beauty of the ocean from her own desk. “It has taught me so much already about the thing I love so much and allowed me to be able to appreciate how incredible the ocean really is.”
The subject is made up of four pillars: Marine Biology, Oceanography, Ocean Ecosystems and Humans and the Ocean. The course covers 85 topics including marine phyla, the chemistry of water, gas laws used for diving science, sustainable seafood, aquaculture and marine protected areas (MPAs).
The subject is presented over a three-year period and counts towards the learners’ Matric certificate.
Xavier Zylstra, Deputy Head of Education, Two Oceans Aquarium Education Foundation, said that the Marine Science subject is a powerful new subject that they have been really excited about launching in South Africa.
“Even if you are not aiming for a career in Marine Biology and Oceanography, the content and many academic skills you will learn will equip you to succeed in tertiary studies in other fields,” said Zylstra.
Online facilitation of the course is done via Zoom and the Foundation’s e-learning platform. The course requires a commitment of four hours a week, which is broken down into two two-hour sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays. The course also has a practical learning component which will take place during South African public school holidays. The starting date for the next intake of the subject is 24 January 2022.
“It should be understood that only half of the subject content of the course is Marine Biology, while there are also components of Physical Science, Geography, Ecology and human impacts on the planet/ocean. Your marine-related knowledge will enable you to make ocean-friendly decisions in a range of fields like maritime economics, environmental law and a broad range of other careers directly or indirectly related to the ocean,” said Zylstra.
Although Marine Science is primarily aimed at high school learners, the Two Oceans Aquarium Education Foundation welcomes all adults who would like to sign up for the subject and learn more about the ocean. Examinations and assessments will be arranged with each adult participant individually, depending on whether they are interested in pursuing an NSC certificate, or just happy to receive a certificate of completion from the Aquarium Foundation.
Registration for the full Marine Science 2022 course is set to open on 25 August 2021. For more information and to register, please visit https://aquariumfoundation.org.za/marine-sciences-curriculum/ or email education@aquariumfoundation.org.za.
