ABOUT MTAQ

Mission Statement

To foster curiosity, imagination, knowledge and enthusiasm for ‘real world’ science through the provision of education in Marine and Aquatic skills and knowledge at the Primary, Middle and Secondary school levels.

Primary Marine Education

• The Australian Marine Environmental Protection Association (AUSMEPA)
• The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority – Reef Guardian Schools Program  (GBRMPA – Reef Guardian Schools) –
• Australian Marine Education Network (part of the: Australian Association of Environmental Education – AAEE – Marine Education Special Interest Group & formerly the Marine Education Society of Australasia) – SEAWEEK program.

Junior Marine Education

• Since 2010, Australia has been moving towards a national framework for schooling.  With the introduction of the P-10 Science Australian Curriculum in Queensland there is not a specific marine or aquatic syllabus for the junior and middle secondary levels of schooling.
• Learning about marine and aquatic ecosystems can be integrated across the Australian Curriculum in Queensland on a lesson-by-lesson basis e.g. Year 8 Cells – may be investigated by collecting sea water and studying it’s contents under the microscope or Year 8 Chemical Change – can be described using sea water reactions with metals in boats, pontoons etc.
• Some schools run specialised Marine electives in Year 10.
• Resources for these year levels may be found at Cool Australia or the Queensland Maritime Museum and the GBRMPA

Senior Marine Education

Marine Science Syllabus

• The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) approved Marine Science 2013 syllabus which is a practical science subject that allows the student to explore marine science concepts, systems and models in relevant contexts relevant to the individual school resources and location.
• The above will be replaced by the QCAA approved for implementation with Year 11 students, Marine Science 2019 syllabus which will provide opportunities for students to study an interdisciplinary science focusing on the marine environments and the consequences of human impacts.
• These syllabuses are designed for students who aim to undertake tertiary studies.
• Sixty (60) schools across Queensland offer this two-year subject to students in Years 11 and 12 (average 15 – 18 years)

Aquatic Practices Syllabus

• The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) approved Aquatic Practices 2014 syllabus is designed to allow students to practically explore, experience and study the role coastal waters and inland waterways have in tourism, recreation, transport and food production.
•  The above will be replaced by the QCAA approved for implementation with Year 11 students, Aquatic Practices 2019 syllabus which will provide opportunities provides opportunities for students to explore, experience and learn practical skills and knowledge valued in aquatic workplaces and other settings.
• These syllabuses are designed for students who want to get a job after they complete Year 12.
• Ninety (90) schools across Queensland offer this two-year subject to students in Years 11 and 12 (average 15 – 18 years)