Sharks, Starfish and Sustainability – Year 9 Dive into Marine Life

March 11, 2025

There’s something pretty special about learning outside the classroom—especially when it involves sharks, stingrays, and getting your hands wet in a discovery pool.

Our Year 9 students recently headed off on an excursion to AQWA (The Aquarium of Western Australia) and the WA Department of Fisheries, where they explored the incredible marine life found off our coast and discovered how science, sustainability and conservation come together in the real world. It was a fantastic example of Connecting Learning to Life, taking what they’ve studied in the classroom and seeing it in action.

Face-to-Face with the Ocean’s Creatures

Walking through AQWA felt like entering a whole new world. From the bright colours of coral reefs to the cool waters closer to Perth, there was so much to see. One of the highlights? The underwater tunnel, where sharks and rays glided overhead like something out of a movie.

For Charlie, the experience was unforgettable. “Watching the sharks, holding a starfish, and seeing some of the most poisonous sea creatures was exciting and a bit mind-blowing!”

The discovery pool was a big hit, too. Students got the chance to gently touch different marine animals and spot baby turtles paddling around. “I loved touching all the different types of starfish and watching the turtles swim,” said Mia.

It was hands-on learning at its best, making sense of science topics like animal classification and adaptations by seeing them up close.

Getting Real About Sustainability

In the second half of the day, students visited the WA Department of Fisheries. Here, they went behind the scenes to see what’s being done to keep our oceans healthy and full of life.

Experts showed how they track fish populations, protect endangered species, and manage fishing to make sure it’s done sustainably. Students even learned how to tell the age of a fish, something not many people can say they’ve done!

“We did so many cool activities,” said Charlie. “It really changed how I think about the ocean and how important it is to look after it.”

For Adelaide, the visit made a lasting impact. “Seeing how much effort goes into protecting marine life really opened my eyes. It was fun, interesting, and made me realise how much sustainability matters.”

Why These Trips Matter

This wasn’t just a fun day out, it sparked curiosity, real thinking, and a deeper understanding of how our choices affect the world around us.

Students came away with more than just facts. They left with a stronger sense of responsibility, knowing that even small actions, like reducing plastic or choosing sustainable seafood, can help protect our oceans.

As Adelaide summed it up: “We all learned how important it is to look after our marine life, and how the Department of Fisheries is helping to do that.”

It was learning brought to life—hands-on, real-world, and filled with purpose. By Connecting Learning to Life, students gained a clearer view of their role in caring for the environment and left feeling empowered to make a difference.

AQWA, Featured, HandsOnLearning, MarineConservation, MarineScience, StudentExcursion, WAFisheries

Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.