Benowa State High School is at the forefront in marine education in this state.
The syllabus is designed to enable students to develop knowledge relevant to both local and global marine environments, issues and problems. Marine studies subjects may be undertaken during the senior years, 11 and 12, and include:
as well as the more practical aspects such as:
sailing
boating
navigation marine radio
snorkelling
In Marine Biology, students study the unique adaptations and interactions of marine organisms within their environment. An understanding of these adaptations and interactions in conjunction with sound research skills will later enable the student to develop coherent ideas to aid in the conservation and sustainability of our precious marine environment.
Oceanography not only encompasses the movement of the oceans and how this affects the weather, but also the movement and distribution of organisms within the oceans. Students also learn how the oceans were shaped, their topography, and zones within the oceans through the study of plate tectonics.
To enable students to carry out research projects in future endeavours, practical skills are taught to give students the ability to be self-sufficient in data collection. Students learn basic boating skills, rules and techniques whilst sailing and reinforce these skills when boating and have the opportunity to obtain their Recreational Marine Driver’s License. Basic water survival skills are learned during the snorkelling component which then enhances the student’s ability to observe marine organisms and collect data.
Navigation and marine radio enable the student to find their way from site to site and stay in communication with relevant authorities.
The Year 11 Marine Studies program culminates in an optional annual reef trip where skills learned are consolidated in a week-long field excursion.