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By Lebone Rodah Mosima
The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Marine Sciences programme, approved by both Umalusi and the Department of Education, is helping learners make informed subject choices as they prepare for their futures.
Written by the foundation’s teaching staff, the programme is “an official school subject for Grade 10, 11 and 12 learners who are looking to gain a deeper understanding of the ocean, its workings, and its impact on humans and our planet”.
According to Umalusi, the first Marine Sciences Grade 12 exam was written in November 2021, “after Umalusi subjected the curriculum to rigorous quality assurance processes”.
It is now included in the suite of subjects for the National Senior Certificate (NSC).
At the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Ocean Campus, experiential learning is central to its teaching approach.
This hands-on philosophy was recently demonstrated in a field trip that brought together 113 Grade 10 learners, 11 teachers and seven student teachers from the Eastern Cape.
Over 100 learners took part in the field trip. (Photo: Two Oceans Aquarium)
The trip, organised by Tim Barnard of St Andrew’s College and Rebotile Matabane of Solomon Mahlangu High School, aimed to connect classroom theory with real-world ocean experiences.
Matabane said that the trip encouraged collaboration among educators and learners.
“That’s what the Boknes field trip was about: Practically linking what they were taught in the classroom to real life, exposing learners to the ocean environment, and creating communities that care about their environment,” she said.
Judy Mann-Lang, Executive of Strategic Projects at the Foundation, commended the organisers’ dedication, saying that Barnard and Matabane’s “hard work and preparation ensured that each day’s activities happened on schedule, optimising the use of time and space despite the logistics to work around”.
Barnard said it was a privilege to work with a passionate team.
“The world needs more people who understand the ocean, its ecosystems, challenges, and importance to all life on Earth. By choosing Marine Sciences, you’ll gain practical skills, scientific knowledge, and experience that can lead to exciting careers in marine biology, conservation, research, and more,” he said.
Marine Sciences is taught through a multidisciplinary lens, exploring the connections between “water, sediments, rocks, air, and marine organisms,” and how humans interact with each, according to the foundation.
“Marine Sciences explores human impact on ocean ecosystems and equips learners with a thorough understanding of conservation and sustainability,” it said.
For past pupil Andile Ngcongo, the subject sparked a lifelong curiosity. “Taking Marine Sciences with the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation is an investment in your future, regardless of whether you want to get into the scientific field or just need a solid foundation for university courses,” she said.
“The subject requires no prior experience or knowledge of marine sciences, but it does ask that you show up with curiosity and enthusiasm.”
Ngcongo said her passion began in Grade 9 after reading that more than 80% of ocean species remain undiscovered. “It made me realise the negligence of the oceans, and inspired me to be part of the people who will fill in the blanks,” she said.
INSIDE EDUCATION