Grade 10 subject choices have never been easier - apply for Marine Sciences 2025 now!

Around this time of year, Grade 9s across South Africa are making a tough choice… which subjects to take to Matric? And the bigger question: How will these subjects shape my future? Well, the answers can be found in the wonderful world of Marine Sciences.

What are Marine Sciences?

"Marine Sciences is a dynamic and engaging subject. It offers students the opportunity to explore the ocean’s mysteries, understand marine life, and learn about the critical role our oceans play in sustaining life on Earth," says Marnus Smith, Head of Marine Sciences.

Written by the teaching staff at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation and approved by Umalusi and the Department of Education, Marine Sciences 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.

The programme is designed for learners to develop a sense of belonging and commitment to the oceanic environment. Marine Sciences nurtures informed citizens who value scientifically substantiated decisions and contribute to the health of our planet’s oceans as future scientists, journalists, teachers, or specialists. Ideally, these learners would take up work and study opportunities in the marine sphere – an area with abundant possibilities for young, ocean-minded people.

The Marine Sciences curriculum is of stellar standard. Through multidisciplinary approaches, the subject builds connections between the realms of water, sediments, rocks, air, and marine organisms, looking at human interaction with each. Marine Sciences explores human impact on ocean ecosystems and equips learners with a thorough understanding of conservation and sustainability.

How can Marine Sciences shape my future?

Whether you are already passionate about the ocean or if you've never dipped your toes into the marine world, Marine Sciences is an excellent way to learn more about our ocean and how you can play a role in protecting it. The subject also offers an invaluable combination of theoretical and practical learning. Learners can explore the rocky shores and see sea anemones, urchins, sea stars, and more for themselves!

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 a variety of university courses. "By enrolling in our Marine Sciences asynchronous program, students will gain valuable knowledge and skills that can lead to rewarding careers in marine biology, oceanography, tourism, engineering, conservation, and environmental science (to name a few)," says Marnus Smith.

One of the core duties of a scientist is to reflect on and evaluate contemporary reading material and current scientific studies. In Marine Sciences, teachers encourage learners to form opinions about contemporary topics. Through informal class debates, group discussions, presentations, and assessments, learners are driven to engage with the current marine events they see on social media and in the news. By applying their Marine Sciences coursework to the real world, learners develop a more holistic and practical understanding of the oceanic environment.

The skills learners develop through the subject are irreplaceable in any future career. Marine Sciences teaches critical, logical thinking and self-reflection in numerous forms, from factual, long-form essays to shorter, debate-style pieces. Communication, analysis, and problem-solving are just a few skills encouraged by Marine Sciences. Furthermore, the practical side of the subject equips learners with the skills to work collaboratively and independently.

Marine Sciences can be used in multiple ways at the university level. Learners could pursue a Bachelor of Science degree, even focusing on a specific field in the marine sciences like Oceanography or Zoology. A background in Marine Sciences would be incredibly beneficial in other degree paths such as environmental journalism, nature conservation, and environmental law.

"I am in awe and proud of the achievements of the young people who have participated in our Two Oceans Aquarium courses. Some have become educators, lawyers, oceanographers, marine scientists, aquarists, and so much more," says Bianca Engel, Deputy Head of Ocean Campus.

Even if you are not so sure about your future career path, Marine Sciences is guaranteed to have an enduring effect on your attitude towards the ocean. A past pupil remarked that she has gained a greater appreciation for the ocean and its inhabitants thanks to Marine Sciences. This appreciation extends to feeling responsible for protecting our ocean spaces, becoming more conscious about her actions, and encouraging others to feel the same way.

This is the heart of the Marine Sciences course. Our curriculum fosters awareness and compassion for the marine environment and inspires learners to act for our ocean.

The marine field is ever-changing, much like the tides in the ocean. If you choose to pursue a career in Marine Sciences, we can guarantee that it’ll never be boring, and you’ll be making a positive difference in the future of our ocean!

What are you waiting for, Grade 9s? Dive into the amazing world of Marine Sciences.

This exciting subject is being offered by more and more schools along the South African coast. If your school does not offer Marine Sciences as a subject choice, it can still be taken as an additional subject online via the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation.