Staff

Mr J Bullar MBE

Mr J Scardino

Maritime Studies is a key part of the continuing ethos of the school, whether your son (or daughter in the sixth form) is passionate about water sports or developing a career within the maritime sector.

Sixth Form Maritime Studies

Students in the sixth form can study maritime studies alongside their normal choices of A level subjects. This attracts students wishing to go to sea as well as students interested in maritime law, business or just love water sports. Sixth form students can study two maritime courses: STCW basic training and a level 3 BTEC in sailing and water sports.

STCW

At the end of the course students will gain professional International Maritime Organisation approved STCW certificates (Standards in Training, Certification and Watch keeping) in fire fighting; first aid at sea; personal safety and responsibility and sea survival. Alongside this the students also study Scottish Qualification Authority exams, diesel engine, radar, and for the VHF operator’s licence.

Level 3 BTEC in sailing and water sports

This course is comprised of two units: Unit 1 is taking responsibility for a sail craft; Unit is 2 managing and Operating Water Sports Centres.

During the course you will have lots of opportunities to hone your sailing skills, as well as learning about the legal and staff management side of running a water sports centre.

Year 10 and 11 Maritime Studies

In year 10 and 11 students also study two maritime courses. A QCF level 2 VRQ in maritime studies and a level 2 BTEC in sailing and Water Sports.

Maritime Studies VRQ

This is a level 2 QCF qualification, designed to give young people an introduction to the maritime sector. It is divided into two units, The Maritime Sector Overview and Maritime Employment, Safety and the Environment.

This course covers topics ranging from merchant navy vessel types, the role of the navy, the UK fishing industry, chart development and hydrography to the role of international organisations and maritime risk assessment.

Level 2 BTEC in sailing and water sports

This course is comprised of two units: Unit 1 is practical sailing skills; Unit two covers first aid, safety and risk assessment. During the course you will develop your sailing skills and take part in passage planning and voyages in the school boats.

Years 9 QCF level 1 Maritime Skills

Students doing this course  will earn level 1 QCF credits, and receive their first QCF maritime qualification while still in lower school.

The course gives an overview of the maritime sector, career pathways and what qualifications the students will need to gain to go into a maritime career. The second section of the course is about safe working practices in maritime jobs.

While doing the course the students will have the opportunity to take part in practical sailing or kayaking docks lessons.

Years 7 and 8

Nautical Studies and Water sports are taught to all students in year 7 and 8, and then becomes a very popular optional activity in year 9 during the games rotation.

Water Sports are fundamental to introducing young people, who may never have set foot in a boat, to consider either further nautical study or to develop a passion for water sports. 

 Sailing

Students can opt to take either sailing or paddle sports from year 7 upwards in their nautical games lessons.