Last weekend proved to be fun and educational for a group of Grade 10s – we held the Young Biologist course, sponsored by I&J!

This free course teaches high schoolers who have an interest in marine biology more about the oceans, and the animals that call them home. It includes classroom lessons at the Aquarium (our desks have built-in aquariums), as well as a camp outside of town.

YBs meet Clax the rockhopper penguin

There's also a volunteer aspect to the course, with learners going on to work at our Touch Pool and Microscope Exhibit, or feeding the animals.

It's always a popular course, and the second one will be run in October. In the meantime, here's some of the feedback we got from the last Young Biologist course:

To the entire education team at the Two Oceans Aquarium,

I have been blessed with the opportunity of being in your presence over the past couple of days while learning about topics that I am extremely passionate about. My passion has increased and I cannot believe that over the space of seven days I have learnt so much about not only marine life, but also myself and those around me.

I&J has made a wonderful investment by sponsoring the YB course. I have made lifelong friends and I am excited to spend my time at the touch pool and microscope giving back to the aquarium. 

I did not expect the course to be as intense as it was, and at times I felt extremely stressed, but I believe that it was all worth it. I am enthusiastic about teaching those around me about what I have learnt and passing my knowledge on to the visitors at the aquarium. 

It was amazing how, when my family bought dinner last night and I was given a straw with my drink, but I politely gave it back thinking about the impact that this tiny piece of plastic might have on the environment. 

I believe that the aquarium is making a difference [in] the world I want to be part of it very step of the way. I will always be grateful for this opportunity and I am proud to have the title of Young Biologist.

Yours faithfully

Raeesah Kenny, Islamia Girls’ College

Checking out the Ocean Basket Kelp Forest Exhibit from above

To the environmental education team.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude towards the Two Oceans Aquarium education team, Mr Zylstra, Ms Engel, Ms Rockstroh and everyone else who contributed to the success of the course.

From the day I received my acceptance notification and up until now my excitement for this course has been building up. Every day of the course introduced me to new creatures and knowledge of the ocean. I found it most astonishing to be able to interact with the marine organisms as we learnt about them. The excitement that boiled up from within me as my knowledge about this small percentage of marine life slowly broadened, made me realise my true passion. 

I am really looking forward to volunteering in front of house in the following six months. It is an absolute honour to be able to interact with people from around the world and tell them about the great wonders, which not only lay in our vast oceans, but right here on our South African coastline.

I am eternally grateful for this wonderful opportunity and would like to say a big thank you to the Aquarium's initiative in teaching us learners everything they are able to, as well as I&J for sponsoring this enriching course. 

Yours sincerely, 

Nina Blom, Rhenish Girls’ High

Don't miss the opportunity to take part in one of our educational courses. You'll find the dates and info for all upcoming courses on the Marine Science Academy page.