Seven days, one ocean: Inside the 2026 Young Biologist Course

Last week, 42 Grade 10 learners traded their school desks for touch pools, tidal pools, and a tent-side view of the Atlantic Ocean. The 2026 Young Biologist Course, sponsored by Upstream Technology, ran from 26 September to 2 October 2026 at the Two Oceans Aquarium and at a campsite in Bokbaai. It was a week of curiosity, cold water, and plenty of laughter. 

Four days at the Aquarium 

The course kicked off on a Saturday morning at the Aquarium with registration, a welcome, and a pre-assessment to gain insight into the learners’ existing levels of understanding.  Then came a guided tour of the Aquarium, a look at the Aquarium's our philosophy, and an introduction to the two oceans that meet at on our doorstep. 

From there, learners explored the animal kingdom, from sponges and sea plants to cnidarians, worms, arthropods, echinoderms, and molluscs. Each day began with a short assessment of the previous day's content, so the learning stuck. 

Highlights included: 

• Observing a ragged-tooth shark feeding at the Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibiton Day 1 and an African penguin feeding at the Penguin Exhibiton Day 3. 
• A boat trip on Day 2 to see Table Bay from the water. 
• Exploring the rocky shore to learn about zonation and classification. 
• Hands-on sessions with sponges, corals, sea fans, anemones, crabs, mud prawns, and more. 

Young Biologists don't just listen; they present. On Day 2, learners were briefed on the Microscope Exhibit and Touch Pool and coached in presentation skills. On Days 3 and 4, supported by our Volunteers, they took to the floor to deliver their own Touch Pool and Microscope Exhibit presentations to actual Aquarium visitors. 

Day 3 brought the kelp holdfast activity, where learners searched through the tangled root-like structures for the tiny animals living inside. Day 4 ended the theory block with a fish dissection and a session on sustainable seafood and the Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI). 

On Day 4, a careers panel gave learners the chance to put their questions to people working in marine science: Razaan Samuels, Sea Turtle Aquarist, and Tiffany Johnson, Penguin Keeper. For many learners, it was the first time they'd heard how varied the paths into the field can be. 

Three days on the West Coast: Bokbaai Camp  

On Wednesday, 30 September, bags were packed, luggage was loaded, and the group set off for camp.  They stopped along the way for a snorkelling session at Clifton 4th Beach, with masks, snorkels, and wetsuits, and guidance provided by the Aquarium Dive School. For many learners, it was their first time looking at the ocean from beneath the waves.  

The camp itself ran from Wednesday evening to Friday morning in Bokbaai. Activities included: 

• A plastic pollution presentation and a look at the Aquarium's sustainability campaigns. 
• A scavenger hunt, a debate, and a quiz afternoon. 
• Rocky shore exploration at low tide. 
• A team-building obstacle course. 
• A sunrise stretching session on the beach and a solitary sunset exercise. 
• A logo and brand design challenge to create the identity for the Young Biologist (YB) '26 class. 
• A showcase night to end the week, where each group performed a skit with an environmental message. 

Real impact: Becoming ocean stewards 

The Young Biologist course doesn't end when the bus heads home. Graduates are invited to volunteer at the Aquarium, starting as presenters at the Microscope Exhibit and Touch Pool. We hope to see them all back at the Aquarium, putting what they learnt to use and building on it, both here and beyond. 

Hear from some of our Young Biologists 

“My favourite thing about camp was that we were able to take what we learned in class for the past few weeks and apply it practically. I also like that we were able to meet and bond with new people.” 

“My favourite thing about the course was that I got to be around the aquarium, I got to do what I love and meet new people, have fun, and learn new things.” 

“It’s hard work, but it’s so worth it.” 

The 2026 Young Biologist class has left a mark on the Two Oceans Aquarium, and we can't wait to see what they do next. Keep an eye out for the 2027 applications.