In the June 2024 exam series, we saw how although the sciences, Mathematics and English continue to be the most popular subjects globally across Cambridge qualifications, Marine Science is one of the fastest growing subjects – up by 26% at Cambridge International AS & A Level in 2023.
This blog by Cambridge International A Level student, Judy Ji, describes how she initially dreamt of becoming a ‘Wolf of Wall Street’, but her love of marine science has led her to study for a Biological Sciences degree starting at the end of September at Imperial College London. Judy received a High Achievement Award for Cambridge International A Level Marine Science at the Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards in China last year.
My story begins when I was in middle school in Shenzhen. I was always fascinated by the beauty and power of the sea, and on weekends I would go on picnics with my friends at Shenzhen Bay Park. We would share our dreams about the future, and opinions on current issues, all while watching the sea glitter under the reflection of the sun, and the waves endlessly and effortlessly pushing up the shore. I have a great passion for the sea, and for all the mechanisms it encompasses that bring all life and matter together underwater.
I was around 14 when I joined my school’s sustainability club and got involved in an educational approach to preserving our natural environment. As a final project, we organised an activity to visualise the monthly plastic usage within our school. After collecting all the plastics that had been used, we built a whale sculpture with them. When I looked at the sculpture I was shocked by the amount of plastic use within a single month. I think it was the first time I really thought about how our actions and our daily decisions are so closely linked to the marine ecosystem and organisms.
Out of my comfort zone
Later, at Lingshui Blue Bay Future Leadership Academy, I took Marine Science as one of my Cambridge International A Levels, together with Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics. I thank my teacher for encouraging me to study marine science and pushing me out of my comfort zone to explore this fascinating field.
A highlight of my studies was learning about mangrove forests, which protect shorelines and because of their calm waters and nutrient-rich ecosystems, serve as nurseries for juvenile fish. I vividly recall a field trip where I recognised boxer crabs from our lessons—I loved how my textbook knowledge came to life before my eyes.
This course allowed me to delve into the world of marine science and gain a comprehensive understanding of various aspects as well as learning some interesting facts. I never, for instance, knew that it is warmer below the ice than above, because ice sheets act as thermal insulators for the organisms under water. I never knew that the white sand I used to build sandcastles with as a child is the product of physical weathering of rocks and the faeces of parrot fishes! I never knew that the sunscreens we put on are toxic to coral reefs and could cause irreversible damages. I would never have known these things unless I had studied Cambridge International A Level Marine Science.
Through my educational journey, I’ve developed a deeper understanding of how interconnected our lives are with the marine ecosystem. Marine science has made me more mindful of the impacts of my actions, whether it’s choosing coral-friendly sunscreen or reducing plastic usage. And yet it wasn’t until my final year of school that I stepped into this field academically. “Why hadn’t I thought of studying Marine Science earlier?” I often ask myself.
After completing my International A Levels, I gave workshops on marine science to children in the hope of inspiring future generations to protect our oceans. Going forwards, I aim to continue spreading awareness while pursuing further studies, all while keeping the ocean close to my heart. There is a whole world out there for us to explore. With courage and hard work, the future is in our own hands.
Learn more about our Cambridge International AS & A Level qualifications in Marine Science.
