The New Zealand Marine Studies Centre ( NZMSC ) offers a series of opportunities for gifted learners from Te Waipounamu / southern New Zealand to take part in a science research programme based at the Portobello Marine Laboratory (University of Otago).
Students will experience an authentic research context and a unique learning environment (e.g. laboratory, coastline fieldwork or research vessel) alongside other rangatahi, to extend students' skills, enrich their understanding and foster a knowledge-building community.
Students will get a chance to focus on an in-depth research project that blends marine science and the nature of science.
The programmes cater to a diversity of ages, levels and support. Programmes range from 1 to 3 days in duration.
Students need to be self-directed and highly motivated. For information on identifying giftedness, please visit the Ministry of Education's website:
If you'd like more insight into the values, aims, and objectives behind the science extension programmes we have run at the NZMSC, please enjoy reading this article featured in the Education Gazette 2024 (Issue: Volume 103, Number 2):
'Marine Science extension programme inspires gifted students'
Programme plans 2024/2025
In 2024/2025, we are offering multiple science extension programmes for students and schools with a number of customised options. Supervised and directed by our educators, these programmes involve in-depth and wide-ranging field and laboratory experiences, as well as mentoring by scientists in a supportive and friendly environment. Like-minds working together to develop an enriching, knowledge-building community.
Programmes range from 1–3 days and will be delivered at the NZ Marine Studies Centre (NZMSC), in Ōtepoti Dunedin, and in regional locations (including Whakatū Nelson). These programmes can be customised for individual or interest groups.
For all information on programmes and how to apply, please see:
Marine Science Extension: Enrichment programmes 2024/2025 (PDF)
Costs
Extension programmes are supported by the Ministry of Education's 'Supports for Gifted Students - Events and Opportunities'. A nominal fee for student participation will be charged to the school or organisation to off-set the programme costs and confirm student intention to participate. The fee may be waived on a case-by-case basis.
Schools or organisations who have students participating will be invoiced, and it will be up to them to determine the allocation of those costs.
Selection process
Events are open for teachers (or affiliated adult/s) to bring small groups or whole classes of selected rangatahi in years 6–13.
The multi-day programmes at NZMSC will be advertised to schools in southern NZ with an effort to connect with small, rural schools. Schools will be asked to select 4–5 suitable students to participate.
A teacher, senior management, or parent will be required to accompany the students each day, provide transportation, supervision, evaluation of the programme and have the option to play a role in delivery.
Application process
Extension classes
If you are bringing a whole class/group for one of our customised programmes, please contact the email address below for more information.
Email marine-studies@otago.ac.nz
Individual students
If you are a student, or parent/affiliated adult querying on behalf of an individual, please get in touch to express your interest. In your email, please include the student's year level, school/organisation, and interests.
Email marine-studies@otago.ac.nz
If you do not have access to email, you can call us on:
Tel +64 3 479 5826
Health Regulations
Please stay home if you're sick, if you are selected but cannot attend due to illness, please let us know as soon as possible so we can accommodate you as best we can.
Online programme
Our online programme is now available:
Is There an Ocean in the House?
Watch the introduction to our online programme
If you have enquiries about the online programme, please contact us (details below).
Contact
For all marine science extension and enrichment enquiries, contact:
The New Zealand Marine Studies Centre
Tel +64 3 479 5826
Email marine-studies@otago.ac.nz