The College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (CFOS) at The Maldives National University has conducted a series of marine science practical sessions for students from Adh. Atoll Education Centre (AEC), offering hands-on preparation for their upcoming O’ Level Marine Science examination.

The sessions gave students direct exposure to laboratory techniques and field skills that form a core component of the Cambridge O’ Level Marine Science syllabus. Students are required to undertake Progressive Practical Projects, assessed by teachers on a regular basis

The CFOS sessions were designed to strengthen students’ competencies in areas such as biological surveying and sampling, identification of marine organisms, and understanding of practical techniques — all of which are directly examinable. Paper 2 of the examination includes a compulsory question on “knowledge and understanding of practical techniques,” making hands-on experience essential for candidates.

For the Adh. AEC students, the sessions represented more than exam preparation. Fisheries Science, now called Marine Science was introduced into Maldivian schools in the 1980s with the explicit aim of instilling in young people an awareness of the marine environment and the fishing industry’s significance to the nation . The syllabus is designed to develop not only scientific skills but also a sense of responsibility for the marine environment and the fishing industry.

The collaboration between CFOS and Adh. AEC reflects MNU’s broader commitment under its – Giving Back to Society Programme to share knowledge and support educational development across the atolls.