Professional Development for Quality Teaching

Year 9 pupils at Sandown High School take a trip on board the research Vessel Callista in which they learn about sea life and oceanography.

Pupils get the chance to learn about light penetration and use some of the vessels' equipment, examining the boat's daily catch of fish, squid and plants. Pupils also learn about the tiny creatures that live in the mud on the sea bed, and nourish the food chains in our oceans.

As the crew explain that the oceans cover more than 70 per cent of the earth's surface, and hold over nine-tenths of the planet's water. Pupils learn the importance of the ocean and the clues it holds to our history, and our future, many of which remain undiscovered.