Marine Sciences curriculum gazetted and open for comment
25 July 2019
In January 2019, the Two Oceans Aquarium, in partnership with Gansbaai Academy, Simon’s Town High and South Peninsula High, launched Marine Sciences as a new pilot subject.
On Friday, 19 July 2019, Marine Sciences was officially gazetted in the Government Gazette, and the 21-day public comment period has begun.
The Marine Sciences pilot subject was launched as part of the Grade 10 curriculum. It has been offered as an extra subject on two afternoons per week at the node schools. The subject is also available to interested Grade 10 learners from neighbouring schools and surrounding areas.
Russell Stevens, Head of Education at the Two Oceans Aquarium and the driving force behind getting Marine Sciences recognized as a curriculum subject, described it as one of the most exciting moments for marine education in South Africa. “It is a first for us, and a first for Africa. The curriculum is already recognised around the world as one to strive towards.”
Stevens added that they developed an extremely successful partnership with the Department of Basic Education, the Gauteng Department of Education and in particular the Western Cape Education Department.
“Officials within the Education Department have shown nothing but support, enthusiasm and a ‘let’s make this happen’ attitude as they have seen the hard work which has been put into the development of the curriculum and teacher support materials by the Two Oceans Aquarium teaching team. We look forward to the official pilot in schools where the Grade 10s of 2020 will take Marine Sciences as one of their subjects for their Matric in 2022.”
Stevens has described the journey as an inspirational one through which the Aquarium was not only supported by the various governmental departments, but also one during which the educators were connected to enthusiastic children who are “stoked” about marine life.
“These students have expressed an understanding of how important the ocean is as we face the climate crisis. We have been inspired by them and their commitment to being the change that they want to see in the world.”
Interested parties can find the new curriculum at
https://www.education.gov.za/Portals/0/CD/National%20Curriculum%20Statements%20and%20Vocational/CAPS%20FET%20Marine%20Sciences%20Final%20for%20Government%20Gazette.%2010%20May%202019.pdf?ver=2019-05-14-154537-760
or search for Marine Sciences CAPS on https://www.education.gov.za.
Comments and submissions can be made to:
Mr SA Tihbane for attention of: Mr DL Silman
Telephone: 012 357 4074
email: Silman.D@dbe.gov.za
Or by post to:
Mr SA Tihbane for attention: Mr DL Silman
Department of Basic Education
Private Bag X895
Pretoria
0001
Or hand delivered to:
Mr SA Tihbane for attention: Mr DL Silman
Department of Basic Education
222 Struben Street
Pretoria
0001
