About Marine Sciences FET
Background
The journey to Marine Sciences as a formal school subject began with a simple question: How could the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation make the greatest impact through education?
As the Foundation's dedicated education division, Ocean Campus has long been committed to inspiring ocean literacy and equipping young people with the knowledge and skills to become informed custodians of our blue planet. Extensive consultation with schools, parents, education officials, universities, and learners revealed a need for high-quality marine education and enrichment programmes. This research led to the development of the Foundation's Marine Sciences Academy - a series of courses for Grades 6 to 11 learners that laid the foundation for South Africa's formal Marine Sciences curriculum.
As these courses evolved, the Western Cape Education Department invited the Foundation to use this expertise as the basis for a formal Marine Sciences curriculum. Following collaboration with the Department of Basic Education and Umalusi, Marine Sciences was approved as a National Senior Certificate subject for Grades 10 to 12.
Since its introduction in six pilot schools in 2020, Marine Sciences has empowered learners with a deeper understanding of the ocean while inspiring the next generation of ocean-minded citizens. Today, Ocean Campus continues this mission by delivering the curriculum to learners across South Africa, combining academic excellence with the real-world conservation, education, and scientific expertise of the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation.
What is Marine Sciences?
Marine Sciences is an official National Senior Certificate subject for Grades 10, 11, and 12 that explores the ocean, its ecosystems, and the relationship between people and the marine environment.
More than simply studying marine life, learners develop scientific literacy, critical thinking, and an understanding of how healthy oceans support life on Earth. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the subject connects biology, chemistry, physics, geology, and environmental science to build a holistic understanding of the marine world.
Marine Sciences encourages learners to make scientifically informed decisions about conservation and sustainability while preparing them for further study and careers in fields such as marine science, environmental management, education, journalism, and research.
What will you learn?
Oceanography
Explore the physical and chemical processes that shape our oceans, including seawater chemistry, waves, tides, currents, climate, weather systems, pollution, and diving science.
Marine Biology
Investigate the diversity of marine life, from microscopic organisms to whales, while learning about evolution, classification, adaptations, and the major animal phyla.
Ecology
Discover how marine ecosystems function by studying rocky shores, kelp forests, sandy beaches, food webs, nutrient cycling, and species interactions.
Humans and the ocean
Examine our relationship with the ocean through topics including sustainable resource use, Marine Protected Areas, marine careers, climate change, ocean acidification, and the role of scientific research.
Why study with Ocean Campus?
Marine Sciences is more than a school subject – it's an opportunity to learn from an organisation that lives and breathes ocean education and conservation every day.
At Ocean Campus, you'll follow a CAPS-aligned National Senior Certificate curriculum through our flexible online learning platform, Thinkific, allowing you to study from anywhere in South Africa. You'll work through course content at your own pace, supported by weekly live tutorials led by our experienced educators. These interactive sessions provide opportunities to ask questions, consolidate your understanding, and connect with fellow learners in a supportive learning environment.
What truly sets Ocean Campus apart is the opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world experience. Marine Sciences is more than a subject learned from a textbook. Throughout the programme, you'll take part in practical investigations, fieldwork, and exposure days that bring marine science to life. These experiences help develop scientific thinking and practical skills while giving you valuable insight into the marine environment and the careers dedicated to understanding and protecting it.
As part of the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, Ocean Campus offers more than an online classroom. You'll learn from an organisation actively involved in marine conservation, research, wildlife rehabilitation, and ocean education. This connection gives your studies real-world relevance and demonstrates how the knowledge you gain in the classroom can make a meaningful difference for our ocean.
Throughout your Marine Sciences journey, you'll be supported every step of the way by educators who are passionate about ocean education and committed to helping you build confidence, deepen your understanding, and achieve your academic goals.
Whether you dream of a career in the marine sector or simply want to better understand our blue planet, Ocean Campus will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to take the next step.