WHY STUDY MARINE STUDIES?

The sea can be a very stimulating. It provides the medium for developing new skills and the opportunity for learning to be enjoyable and worthwhile.

Marine Studies involves student interaction with the marine environment, and the development of the appropriate skills necessary for the safe acquisition of knowledge about the sea. The syllabus draws upon the skills, procedure and knowledge of people involved in the industrial, commercial, scientific and recreational aspects of the maritime industry.

The aim of Marine Studies is to provide for the development of knowledge, processes, skills and attitudes that will enable students to develop:

•  A knowledge and understanding of marine interests and marine environment

•  An awareness of the value of the sea

•  An ability to use the marine environment wisely

•  A competence in basic mariner skills

WHAT IS STUDIED?

The course is organised in units as follows:

•  Personal Water Skills

•  Dangerous Marine Organisms

•  First Aid

•  Recreational Fishing

•  The Seafood Industry

•  Meteorology

•  Our Beaches

During the course, the students will have the opportunity to:

•  participate in several field trips

•  complete a Surf Survival Course

•  make crab pots and lures

•  obtain a First Aid Certificate

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

Marine Studies provides students with the opportunity to develop the interpersonal and workplace skills with application to many life roles. They include:

•  the ability to communicate effectively and confidently in both written and oral formats

•  skills associated with teamwork, cooperative planning and problem solving

•  observing and demonstrating techniques and skills

•  undertaking small and large-scale practical tasks such as snorkelling or boating

CRITERIA

•  Knowledge and Understanding

Recalling information and applying knowledge to Marine situations.

•  Information Processing and Reasoning

Ability to process the most complex information and employ extensive reasoning

•  Practical Skills

Interacting with others; demonstrating practical skills.

Over the entire 3 year Marine Studies course students can expect to gain licences and certificates associated with various units of work as well as QSA certification.

The subject does not require any prior knowledge and is as suitable for students considering a future in tertiary marine studies.

AWARDING EXIT LEVELS OF ACHIEVEMENTS

VHA - Standard A in 2 criteria and Standard B in other criterion.

HA – Standard B in 2 criteria and standard C in the other criterion

SA – Standard C in 2 criteria with no less than standard D in other criterion.

LA – At least 2 standard D results.

VLA – Does not meet the requirements for a LA

HOW PARENTS CAN HELP

Parents can help students by providing a supportive environment in the home and by showing an interest in what students are doing on a day-to-day basis. Parents can promote an appreciation of the educational, life-skills and employment value of studies in the marine field. Discussion with students of issues relating to marine and other water environments that arise on television, radio and in print assists students to consider a variety of opinions on issues and situations. Use also can be made of community and school information centres and personnel to supplement the learning resources available in the home. Frequent communication between the home and the school should also provide support for students.