Windsor School Marine Biology Center of Excellence Brochure by Albany, Bahamas

WINDSOR SCHOOL ALBANY CAMPUS

A L B A N Y AC A D E M Y

M A R I N E B I O LO GY

MARINE BIOLOGY The Marine Biology Academy at Windsor School is an enriching interdisciplinary program that encourages ambitious, creative and motivated students to become specialists in scientific research and conservation, and leaders in environmental education and protection. Created in partnership with the Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS), this unparalleled marine biology and dive training program provides an in-depth exploration of marine biodiversity. Students are immersed in the work of renowned marine scientists and conservation professionals as they join them in their quest to study and protect our oceans.

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EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING The Marine Biology Academy takes a holistic and immersive approach to learning. Students are exposed to a plethora of experiences designed to enhance their knowledge, develop their practical skills, and support their academic goals and passions. Through integrated project-based activities, students build a unique set of skills to allow them to better understand, investigate, and solve complex, real-world problems faced by the natural world. Students will study tropical marine ecosystems and the diverse range of marine species that they support, including corals, grouper, sharks, rays, turtles, conch, lobsters, urchins, seagrass and mangroves. In addition to theory classes, students will complete recreational and scientific dive training, carry out scientific surveys from the Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS) Research Vessel, and participate in the Blue Influence Seminar Class, an interactive session that examines cutting edge research techniques and emerging science and fosters science communication through guest speakers, discussion panels, and webinars.

C R O S S I N G T R A D I T I O N A L D I S C I P L I N A RY B O U N DA R I E S

BIOLOGY

CONSERVATION

PADI DIVE CERTIFICATION

MARINE RESEARCH SKILLS

UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY & FILM

MARINE BIOLOGY

MATHS & STATISTICS

MEDIA & TECHNOLOGY

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

PHYSICS & CHEMISTRY

FISHERIES SCIENCE

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ACADEMICS There are three key themes running through each academic year: the biology, ecology, and conservation of tropical marine ecosystems. Coral reefs, mangrove forests, and seagrass meadows cover less than one percent of the Earth’s surface, yet are amongst the most diverse and productive ecosystems on Earth, providing us with food, coastal protection, tourism, and recreation. These interconnected ecosystems, together with the species they support, will be studied in increasing depth and complexity each year, with a focus on applied research, protection, and restoration.

Photo by @blue.wave.edu

TROPICAL MARINE B I O LO GY

TROPICAL MARINE E CO LO GY

M A R I N E C O N S E R VAT I O N & E D U C AT I O N

The classification, anatomy, physiology and biodiversity of marine organisms

The study of how marine organisms interact with each other and their environment

The strategies used to preserve marine species and increase environmental awareness and ocean stewardship

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COURSE TOPICS

• Scientific Enquiry

• Rocky and Sandy Shores

• Field Survey Techniques

• Physical and Chemical Oceanography

• Marine Classification and Taxonomy

• Fisheries Management

• Anatomy and Physiology of Marine Animals

• PADI Dive Training and Specialties

• Anatomy and Physiology of Marine Plants

• Scientific Diving and Underwater Surveys

• Dissection and Microscopy

• Marine Debris and Plastic Pollution

• Physical and Behavioural Adaptations

• Marine Aquaculture

• Marine Ecosystems and Biodiversity

• Marine Food Webs, Energetics and Nutrient Cycles

• Coral Reef Fish and Coral ID

• Reproductive Strategies of Marine Animals

• Benthic Species ID

• Human Impacts on Marine Ecosystems and Species

• Coral Reef Research, Conservation and Restoration

• Corals and the Climate Crisis

• Mangrove Forests and Seagrass Meadows

• Marine Conservation and Ecotourism

• Coastal Zone Management

• Citizen Science and Ocean Activism

• Genetics and Marine Biotechnology • Shark and Turtle Biology and Conservation • Urchin and Lobster Biology and Conservation • Coral Reef Fish Biology and Conservation • Marine Mammal Biology and Conservation • Digital Underwater Photography and Videography • Science Communication and Education • Social Media and Environmental Awareness • Photogrammetry and 3D Modelling • Marine Science Colleges and Careers • Marine Art and Sculpture • Sustainable Fisheries and Marine Reserves

9 Photo by @blue.wave.edu

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WEEK AT A GLANCE The Academy is open to Grades 9 to 12 and runs over three extended afternoons per week including the Blue Planet Theory Class, Blue Waves Practical Class, and Blue Influence Seminar Class. Freshman and sophomores are paired together, with juniors and seniors together, for theoretical and practical training. One afternoon per week, all Academy students will join together for the weekly Blue Influence Seminar Class.

BLUE PLANET C O R A L A N AT O M Y & P H YS I O LO GY Students study the internal and external features of corals, and examine how they are adapted to survive and thrive in their environment.

B L U E WAV E S

BLUE INFLUENCE

S C I E N T I F I C M O N I T O R I N G AT THE CORAL NURSERY

SEMINAR CLASS

Students hone their scientific diving and research skills by photographing, measuring, and outplanting coral fragments at the coral reef restoration site.

Roundtable discussion on the effectiveness of documentaries depicting the disappearance of coral reefs in spreading awareness and prompting action. Students then brainstorm a digital media campaign to educate the public about coral health and conservation in The Bahamas.

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DIGITAL PORTFOLIO Science and technology are essential to securing a sustainable future for our oceans. To spread awareness and elicit change, scientific information must be more accessible, engaging, and relevant. It has to go beyond presenting facts and evidence, and create a stronger connection between scientists and the public. Marine Biology Academy students will become experts in science communication and digital storytelling. They will learn how to convey scientific knowledge in creative and innovative ways using animations, videos, infographics, and social media campaigns. Together with traditional presentations, posters, and research papers, this will culminate in the creation of digital portfolios to showcase their achievements, support college applications, and provide a platform to launch their future endeavours.

Photo by @madeinwater

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“This program is truly discovery learning – where the best answers are those that students uncover for themselves.” — R AC H E L M I L L E R

R AC H E L M I L L E R Marine Biology Academy Director As Windsor School’s head of marine science and Marine Biology Academy director, Rachel Miller has over twenty years of experience in marine conservation and aquaculture. She holds a master of research degree in marine and coastal ecology and environmental management from University of York as well as a bachelor of science degree in oceanography and marine biology from University of Southampton. Rachel earned her International Postgraduate Certificate of Education distinction from the University of Nottingham and brings a passion for the ocean to all Windsor School students.

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OUTDOOR LEARNING Located on the island of New Providence in The Bahamas, the Marine Biology Academy is situated on the southwestern end of the island within the luxury resort community of Albany. Students have access to an incredible range of learning spaces including a marine biology lab, 25-meter lap pool, classroom, and a research and dive vessel owned by the Perry Institute for Marine Science. Albany’s 15-acre marina serves as a gateway to more than 700 islands and atolls. The availability of tropical marine ecosystems adjacent to Albany provides unparalleled opportunities for education and research.

SANDY & ROCKY SHORES

CORAL REEFS WINDSOR MARINE BIOLOGY LA B

MANGROVE FORESTS

WINDSOR ALBANY POOL SEAGRASS MEADOWS

WINDSOR OUTDOOR CLASSROOM PIMS RESEARCH VESSEL

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ACADEMY PARTNER PERRY INSTITUTE FOR MARINE SCIENCE (PIMS) PIMS is a non-profit organisation committed to protecting our oceans through research, conservation, and education. PIMS scientists work with national and international bodies to restore coastal ecosystems, improve coral reef resilience, conserve threatened marine species, manage marine protected areas, and promote sustainable fisheries. We have partnered with PIMS to support their mission and provide our students with invaluable experiences and opportunities. PIMS created the Reef Rescue Network, to coordinate coral reef restoration efforts in The Bahamas, Aruba, and St. Lucia. Academy students will be responsible for the long-term monitoring and outplanting of endangered coral species off the southwest coast of New Providence. This Blue Restoration project will provide them with first-hand experience of the scientific strategies used to counteract the impact of coral reef decline resulting from anthropogenic impacts such as climate change, overfishing, and pollution. PIMS will operate a field office at the Windsor School at Albany campus, next to our outdoor classroom and pool. This will create opportunities for students to work with and be instructed by a renowned and inspiring group of marine biologists, conservation experts, and PADI dive professionals. For more information about PIMS, visit their website at www.perryinstitute.org. 18

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PADI DIVE TRAINING Throughout the Marine Biology program students develop their scientific diving skills, earn PADI diving certifications, and enjoy a range of specialty courses, including but not limited to:

Open Water Diver

Master Scuba Diver

Advanced Open Water Diver

Emergency First Response

Rescue Diver

AWARE Shark Conservation

Divemaster

AWARE Sea Turtle

Reef Rescue Diver

AWARE Coral Reef Conservation

AWARE Fish Identification Diver Underwater Naturalist Invasive Lionfish Tracker Digital Underwater Photographer

Underwater Videographer Dive Against Debris

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Photo by @shanegrossphoto

“Through the Marine Biology Academy, we inspire the next generation to protect and preserve the oceans through education, experiential learning, scientific diving and cutting-edge research.” — R AC H E L M I L L E R

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CONSERVATION & EDUCATION There will be opportunities to visit and/or take part in fieldwork at a range of organisations dedicated to marine research, conservation, and education during the 4-year program, including: BAHAMAS CORAL INNOVATION HUB - ELEUTHERA

Coral Restoration Collaboration between Perry Institute for Marine Science, Cape Eleuthera Institute, and The Nature Conservancy (TNC)

BIMINI SHARK LAB & BIOLOGICAL FIELD STATION - BIMINI Biology, research, and conservation of sharks and rays

FORFAR FIELD STATION - ANDROS

Field studies, marine conservation, and outdoor education

CENTRE FOR OCEAN RESEARCH & EDUCATION (C.O.R.E.) SCIENCES - ELEUTHERA Applied scientific marine and environmental research and educational initiatives

CORAL VITA - GRAND BAHAMA

Land-based coral farm and assisted evolution reef restoration

FRIENDS OF THE ENVIRONMENT - ABACO

Conservation, environmental education, sustainability, and research facilitation

BAHAMAS MARINE MAMMAL RESEARCH ORGANISATION (BBMRO) - ABACO Conservation of marine mammals and their habitats through research and educational outreach

EXUMA CAYS LAND AND SEA PARK, BERRY ISLANDS, AND CONCEPTION ISLAND, BAHAMAS NATIONAL TRUST (BNT)

Marine protected area management

VERTICAL BLUE, DEAN’S BLUE HOLE - LONG ISLAND Freediving training center

REEF FUTURES 2021 - KEY LARGO, FLORIDA Coral restoration science symposium

GRAND BAHAMA

ABACO

FLORIDA (USA) FORT LAUDERDALE

MIAMI

THE BERRY ISLANDS

BIMINI ISLANDS

NEW PROVIDENCE

ELEUTHERA

ANDROS ISLAND

CAT ISLAND

KEY WEST SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

RUM CAY

LONG ISLAND

CROOKED ISLAND

MAYAGUANA ISLAND

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RESEARCH EXPEDITIONS & EXCURSIONS Students are encouraged to dive into at least one experiential field trip each year. These bespoke experiences have been carefully designed to foster confidence, independence, curiosity, and creativity. During expeditions to field stations, students will expand their scientific knowledge, acquire new practical skills, and further develop their field survey techniques.

ANDROS

ELEUTHERA

EXUMA CAYS

BIMINI

During trips to science symposiums and conferences, students will be immersed in science communication and cuttingedge research. Students will be encouraged to network with a range of scientists, interns, and students who share the same interests. * Outer island and overseas trips are optional and priced independently. Due to the pandemic, trip destinations and timings will be confirmed closer to the date. Photos by @mells_sea

GRAND BAHAMA

CAT ISLAND

HARBOUR ISLAND

LONG ISLAND

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“Today’s science for tomorrow’s oceans.” — PERRY INSTITUTE OF MARINE SCIENCE

Photo by @mells_sea 29

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2021-22 MARINE BIOLOGY ACADEMY SCHEDULE Three days per week Classroom Days: 1:30 - 3:30/4:30 p.m. Field, Boat, and Diving Days: 1:30 - 4:30/5:30 p.m. Timings are dependent on activity and dive site location. FEE $10,000 per year Price includes PADI dive training, Marine Biology Academy scientific diving and membership to Windsor Blue Sharks Dive Club. Optional outer island and overseas excursions, field trips, and weekend fun dives are additional and priced separately. ENROLLMENT To enroll in the Marine Biology Academy at Windsor School, please contact:

Rachel Miller rachelmiller@windsorschoolbahamas.com Limited space available for this Academy.

W I N DS O R S C H O O L B A H A M AS .CO M