Xavier Zylstra is a senior teacher at the Two Oceans Aquarium Environmental Education Centre. He joined the Aquarium in April 2009 after 21 years as a high school biology teacher. He presents lessons about various environmental topics and special animals kept in the Discovery Centres to visiting groups of all ages, along with the other members of our dynamic team.

The upper Discovery Centre was bursting at the seams for the Young Biologist Course in the first week of October when more than 50 Grade 10 pupils from across the Cape Peninsula (and one or two from as far away as Gauteng and the Free State) traded their school holiday for a busy week of marine biology theory and volunteer training.

The very intensive first four days culminated in an evening of assessments and a sleepover, after which we boarded a bus for the Soetwater Environmental Education Centre and the pace slowed down significantly.

The weekend was spent socialising, playing volleyball, walking on the beach, hiking in the fynbos, snorkelling (only the cold-blooded), eating, sleeping and generally enjoying nature while unwinding. The weather played along fantastically and we had a great time.

Many of the newly qualified young biologists were so keen on volunteering they put in their first shifts the very next Saturday, rather than wait for the summer holidays.

In their words

Some comments from the participants will highlight their impressions.

“I really enjoyed this week and all the activities I was privileged enough to experience.  The work we covered really inspired me to continue to study hard to become a marine biologist one day. I would also like to thank De Beers for sponsoring this course. Without them I would not have had this amazing opportunity.”  Rebecca Lewer

“The Young Biologist Course I attended from 3 to 9 October was most definitely one of the highlights of my high school career. It was amazing to be with learners and teachers who were equally as passionate about the subject matter. Thank you to everyone who made this incredible course possible. Thank you to all the staff at the Aquarium, particularly Xavier, Bianca and Russell, who managed to instill their love and knowledge into us all.  And a special gigantic thank you to De Beers Marine, which sponsored the course and gave 50 Grade 10 learners the opportunity to become young biologists.” Andi Hoole

“I thoroughly enjoyed spending time at the Aquarium and, at the camp at the end of the week, made so many good friends. I can honestly say that it has encouraged me even further to make a difference in the world and to spread awareness about our environment.” Amy Hillier

“Thank you so much for everything that you did for us. Spending a week with 50 Grade 10s can’t be easy, let alone teaching them! You went out of your way to make this experience a memorable one. I especially enjoyed the camp and the sleepover at the Aquarium. I was overwhelmed by your friendliness.” Matthew Orolowitz

There is a strong possibility there may be another Young Biologist Course in the 2012 March holiday, so if you missed out on this one, keep an eye on our website.

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