Marine science
Mini documentaries
Mighty imaginations
Empowering primary and secondary school students to explore, create and share Western Port’s stories through science and art.
As part of the Western Port Down Under social impact campaign, our primary and secondary schools program will empower students to explore, create and share the untold stories of Western Port through the powerful fusion of science, art and culture. This is more than education, it’s transformation.
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Students become scientists, filmmakers, artists and storytellers, collaborating with leading media industry experts, scientists, First Nations educators and artists to craft original short films that capture the wonder and challenges of this unique marine environment.
The result? A vibrant body of student-led media that becomes a cornerstone of the campaign, fuelling a Film Festival and Awards Night judged by industry leaders and celebrities, lighting up high-profile venues and playing alongside the documentary at community screenings.
These mini-documentaries will be showcased throughout the campaign, featured in the Western Port Woner Trail, embedded in our online legacy portal and used in schools as peer-to-peer education tools that foster a new generation of marine stewards. This is kids teaching kids and it’s leaving a legacy far beyond the classroom.
Primary Schools
Crafted by kids. Informed by science. Inspired by the sea.
What happens when students become scientists, artists, and storytellers? They create powerful, original media that brings the ocean to life and inspires others to take action to protect it.
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This program invites Level 5 and 6 students on a creative learning journey into the marine ecosystems of Western Port Bay. Through hands-on fieldwork, artistic collaboration, and digital production, students explore local marine life, investigate biodiversity and species adaptations and translate their discoveries into compelling short films.
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Students work side by side with marine scientists, local artists, and First Nations educators. They design and build puppets inspired by marine species, script their own stories, and produce one-minute documentaries as part of a student-led media campaign.
This cross-curricular model blends science, storytelling, and cultural knowledge into an unforgettable learning experience that connects students to place, purpose, and each other.
Secondary Schools
Marine science. Mini documentaries. Mighty imaginations
The secondary schools program is a groundbreaking Media, Arts and Science education initiative that empowers Year 7 and 8 students to become environmental storytellers. Through the lens of Western Port, students collaborate with scientists, artists, and filmmakers to create their own short documentaries using footage from the documentary.
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Blending art, science, digital literacy and cultural knowledge, this residency-style program invites students to craft compelling stories about local marine species and ecosystems that highlight the challenges they face as well as the solutions we can all be a part of.
Students are mentored by industry professionals and marine scientists throughout the entire creative process, providing rare and inspiring access to experts working on the frontlines of science, conservation and filmmaking
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Fully aligned with the Victorian curriculum across Media Arts, Science, English, and Humanities, the program develops a wide range of transferable skills including critical thinking, storytelling, digital production, and environmental literacy. It not only delivers deep learning outcomes, it builds confidence, creativity, and a sense of purpose.
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This is experiential education at its best, with students creating high-quality content that contributes directly to public campaigns, exhibitions and digital platforms that amplify their voice and message.
