The Marine Science progranmne at St Mary's is one of the best and longest running school marine science programmes in Australia. St Mary's was the first school internationally to take part in a Mingan Island Crustacean Study (MICS) research project identifying whales off Canada and the first school from Australia to participate in the Aquanaut programme in Florida in which participants spend days and nights living under water. St Mary's is one of a handful of Australian schools to offer the master diving programme within the school curriculum.
From time to time there are opportunities for students who undertake these subjects to be involved with Marine Science and Diving tours in Western Australia (Exmouth, the Abrohlos Islands and Rowley Shoals) and overseas (the east coast of the US and Canada).
Students can opt to study Marine Science in Years 9 and 10. The course aims to foster an interest in the marine environment, physics and biology and an environmental awareness through the marine setting. It is also to provide students with an opportunity to conduct a true scientific research project.
Students study Oceanography, Snorkel Diving, Maritime Archaeology, Marine Biology and Physical Oceanography. Each student is involved in a research programme which is submitted in the Science Talent Quest and the BHP Science Awards. The research topic is chosen by the student and worked on through the year. Visits are made to the Marmion Marine Park, AQWA and the Bunbury Dolphin Dicsovery Centre.
The Advanced Diving course is offered as an option in Year 10. The aim of this elective is to develop knowledge and skills and foster an interest in scuba diving and the marine environment. Students who complete the course successfully receive seven PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) qualifications which are recognised world wide and a Senior First Aid Certificate.
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