Using a 10-year marine science and nature conservation curriculum, two holiday programmes and public talks we aim to empower children (and adults), through knowledge and compassion, to become Guardians of the Deep
The 10-year curriculum offers courses for each age group. These groups include Blues (Grades 1-3 and named after juvenile African penguins), SeaStars (Grades 4 and 5), Raggies (Grades 6 and 7) and Orcas (Grades 8 and 9). We have recently added another age group to incorporate Early Childhood Development, the Pups (3-4 year olds). All content introduces students to the marine and terrestrial environments through field trips and activities, while focusing on maths and literacy skills.
A student from Bramble Way Primary School (Bonteheuwel) enjoying the beach
at an ocean lesson on Water’s Edge Beach in Simon’s Town in July 2022
There is an awesome, vastly undiscovered, world beneath the waves and this ocean realm plays an important role in the health of the global environment. Turning the tide on dangerously outdated perceptions is key in the future survival of life on earth. Being a Guardian of the Deep is more than just a title, by realising the power that our everyday choices wield; we can go on to inspire others to make good decisions for the ocean and the environment as a whole. Guardians links up with local initiatives to show that it isn’t all doom and gloom and that positive change is possible, by working together we can achieve great things!
Ocean Pledges by the Ocean Club (Grade 2) at
the American International School of Cape Town in 2019
Blending art, science and storytelling we aim to empower students to combine local knowledge and practical experience with research and conservation to enhance their skill set, discover opportunities and broaden their future horizons.
Surf Outreach kids exploring the Muizenberg Rocky Shore in 2019
Some of our projects include: Project Neptune ~ Camissa Ocean Workshop ~ Krakens Ocean Champions ~ Chacma Champions ~ Lockdown Learning ~ Assisted Reading Group ~ Putting a Lid on Pollution (A Kelp Forest Mural) ~ Stranded Explorers in the Cape Point Nature Reserve ~ Young Explorers Crew in the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens ~ Studying Fynbos Habitat in the Slangkop Nature Reserve ~ The Power of our Choices (A play with Jungle Theatre, Puppet Planet and Simon’s Town Museum) ~ Career Days ~ Public Talks ~ Activity Books ~ Storybooks ~ Field Guides ~ Chacma Challenge (Wildlife-Proofing Bins) ~ Global Ecobrick Challenge
Entries from MasiCORP students for the Penguin Art Competition – World Penguin Day 2021
We have worked with the following schools and student groups: American International School of Cape Town, Bhongolethu Foundation, Brambleway Primary, Generation Imhoff, Kleinberg Primary, Kommetjie Eco Pre-Primary, Kommetjie Primary, MasiCORP (Sunnydale ECD, Ukhanyo Primary and Masiphumelele High), Mutheera’s Projects and Surf Outreach
What we can Offer
Guardians of the Deep is expanding the number of schools offering the after-school Marine Science and Nature Conservation Curriculum, the 5-day Holiday Programmes (Chacma Champions and Krakens) and the 10-day Innovation Term Programme. We are able to tailor course content to match current curriculums and, with our background, we can also include terrestrial material. Freestanding lessons and/or field trips can also be arranged. Topics can be chosen from the curriculum of the Marine Science and Nature Conservation Programme or lessons can be built around a specific subject that the teacher would like covered.
If you would like to get involved, collaborate, sign up your school, or just find out more, then please do not hesitate to contact us at either megan@guardiansofthedeep.co.za or sally@guardiansofthedeep.co.za
You can also have a look at our Facebook or Instagram pages
Earth Kids TV interviewed our founder to find out more about Guardians of the Deep and our Chacma Champions Holiday Programme