Aquaculture academy Ahu moana

Ahumoana – The Aquaculture Academy offers courses in Aquaculture in Years 11, 12 and 13. A key component of all three courses is the immersion of students in aquaculture industry activities such as mussel harvesting and processing, salmon biology and farming, site visits and experimental research. Students are also taught diving and boating skills.

The Academy is extremely well resourced with an 11m purpose built barge, a modern passenger carrier vehicle, designated water space for field-based learning activities, and an on-site wet lab for experimental procedures.

Aquaculture - Year 12

The NZQA assessments in this course are all Unit Standards aimed at a mixture of NCEA Levels 2 and 3. Up to 37 credits are on offer, although it is expected that each student will achieve at least 20 credits from the compulsory assessments around salmon farming. Most of the content of this course is vocational in nature.

In this course, a key focus of the year will be the farmed Chinook Salmon industry. Students will learn about the methods of farming, life cycle and the biology of the of Chinook salmon. Students will also be encouraged to plan and carry out a project (or several) around a topic within Aquaculture.

Students who consistently show diligence and aptitude in the early part of the year, will also have the opportunity to complete additional Boating, Diving, and Health and Safety qualifications offered in the Year 11 course. If so, there is a cost of approximately $30 - $40 for a dive medical and a $50 deposit refundable upon completion of the diving course.

Aquaculture - Year 13

The NZQA assessments in this course are all Unit Standards aimed at a mixture of NCEA Levels 2 and 3. Up to 40 credits are on offer, although it is expected that each student will achieve at least 20 credits from the compulsory assessments around salmon farming. Most of the content of this course is vocational and scientific in nature.

In this course, a key focus of the year will be the ecological aspects in which aquaculture species are farmed, including water quality and other factors. Students will also be encouraged to plan and carry out a project (or several) around a topic within Aquaculture.

Students who consistently show diligence and aptitude in the early part of the year, will also have the opportunity to complete additional Boating, Diving, and Health and Safety qualifications offered in the Year 11 or 12 courses. If so, there is a cost of approximately $30 - $40 for a dive medical and a $50 deposit refundable upon completion of the diving course.