When 10 Stage Five students dived into Boggabilla Central School’s inaugural Marine Studies course, they didn’t know it would include a detour to the Great Barrier Reef.

In the final week of Term One, they are visiting the James Cook University research station at Orpheus Island, north of Townsville, thanks to funding from the Premier’s Department and the Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer,

The inland river-loving students will gain first-hand experience in saltwater marine systems, with Marine Studies founding teacher Luke Williams and secondary head teacher Lauren Trevethan.

Executive Principal Jed Peisley said the Classroom on the Reef excursion was made possible through the Supporting Young Scientists Equity and Access Program.

“Launching Stage 5 Marine Studies at the school this year couldn’t have come at a better time,” Mr Peisley said.

“Luke has done an excellent job exploring innovative ways to create strong engagement.

“The students and community love the river systems and fishing (the name Boggabilla is derived from the Gamilaraay language and literally means 'full of creeks').

"So it made complete sense culturally, but also from an educational and hopefully post-school career path.

“Luke has done an amazing job getting a subject off the ground and finding activities that are well linked to the students’ interests.”

On the island, the students will work with scientists in the laboratory, examine marine life under the microscope, hike to explore the island’s eco systems and snorkel to see marine life up close.

“The excursion ties in neatly with Stage Five studies of eco systems and marine management,” Mr Williams said.

He hopes the course will open doors to careers after Year 12.

“There’s a range of possible careers, from marine biologist to working with boats, to oyster and fish farming and aquaculture,” he said.