Marine Studies Approved Specialist Program
At Ocean Reef Senior High School, our Marine Studies Approved Specialist Program provides students with an exciting opportunity to study a variety of marine-based topics, including Marine Biology, Marine Science, Oceanography, Aquaculture, Boating and Snorkelling. The Program has a number of partnerships within the wider community, offering students unique opportunities to visit organisations such as Whitfords Sea Rescue Group, where they gain insight into both career and volunteer marine-based work that is vital to Western Australia.
Our program combines theoretical and practical learning to extend and enrich students’ understanding of, and passion for, the marine environment. This course is particularly beneficial for students who are considering further study or a career in a marine-related field. Ocean Reef Senior High School is ideally located close to some of Western Australia’s best beaches, allowing students to develop critical fieldwork skills through assessing intertidal marine communities, conducting pollution surveys, fish identification and more. The program also provides opportunities for students to work in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries and universities.
In Lower School, students have the opportunity to participate in fisheries visits, excursions to the Maritime Museum and AQWA, learn to sail, and complete accredited SCUBA qualifications.
In Senior School, students have the opportunity to complete their Recreational Skipper’s Ticket.
Entry into the Marine Studies Specialist Program is through an application and testing process, including an evaluation of a student’s swimming competency. The minimum swimming requirement for the Marine program is Level 7 as detailed by the Royal Life Saving WA Swim and Survive, or equivalent swimming qualification. To view the competency requirements for this level please view the Royal Life Saving WA website.
The Department of Education Level 7 is equivalent to:
| State Swim | 100 Bronze |
| Craigie Leisure Centre | Level 6 |
| Water Ponyz | Level 7 |
| Swim and Survive | Level 7 |
For more information about the Marine Studies Specialist Program at Ocean Reef please view the brochure below or contact Administration on (08) 6206 2700.
How to Apply
Students residing in our local intake area and outside our local intake area are eligible to apply.
Applications for Year 7 2027 have now closed.
Applications for Year 7 2028 are expected to open in mid-March 2027.