The Ocean Race launches new high school learning programme

Round-the-world sailing event, The Ocean Race has launched Generation Ocean: Join the race to protect our incredible blue planet, a new learning programme for secondary school students.

The Ocean Race says the teaching materials are designed to equip teachers and parents with all they need to help learners understand the crucial role the ocean plays in sustaining life on Earth, the threats that are jeopardising this vital system and the solutions that are needed to protect it.

Launched yesterday (13 October 2022) in English, the materials will be available in eight further languages (Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Danish, Dutch, French, German and Mandarin). These will be released in the coming months.  

The free resources are suitable for children over 12 years old, and can be used in school, learning at home or within the community.

“As The Ocean Race sailors race around the planet, they are seeing the devastating impact of pollution, climate change and industrial overfishing on the ocean,” says Lucy Hunt, senior sdvisor, summits & searning at The Ocean Race . “At the same time, the world is waking up to just how important the seas are for our survival, from regulating the climate to providing us with food, jobs and the air we breathe. It is time to act and listen to the ideas and opinions of young people talking about the ocean and their solutions. Youth needs to be heard and empowered, and it all starts with ocean education.

“There has been a real disconnect from nature and how important it is in our lives. This programme shines a light on the ocean and how we can be part of the solution in honouring the work it does for us as a planet and how we can stand up for the ocean’s rights.”

Part of The Ocean Race’s wider learning programme Generation Ocean materials include:

• An eye-catching booklet with articles, stories, reflections and action points to be carried out in the classroom. 

• An educator’s guide with suggested activities and a step-by-step guide to inspire teachers to include age-appropriate ocean principles and concepts in their lessons.

Lesson activities also feature Social and Emotional Learning techniques (SEL) to help encourage and empower young people to take positive action for the ocean.

The new programme has been created in collaboration with 11th Hour Racing, founding partner of The Ocean Race’s Racing with Purpose sustainability programme.