Freo College Kids Embark Shirase

Fremantle College Year 8 Specialist Marine Studies students yesterday visited the Japanese Icebreaker Shirase, a frequent visitor to Fremantle who’s currently docked in Fremantle Harbour.

Accompanying the students and teachers on this excursion were the Mayor of Fremantle and representatives from the Japanese consulate.

The tour of the Japanese Icebreaker provided the Year 8 students with a first-hand understanding of navigational processes and the functioning of an Icebreaker ship. They delved into the world of marine science and gained insights into the research conducted in Antarctica. This experience enhanced their understanding of climate change impacts and the measures taken to mitigate them.

Students enjoyed exploring the ship’s control room and standing on ‘the bridge’ to checking out the helicopter and even touching ice from Antarctica. Every moment was packed with excitement! The Year 8 cohort is currently engaged in learning about Earth Sciences, focusing on topics related to ice and glaciers, including Icebreaker ships.

This excursion served as a practical extension of their classroom studies, bringing the theoretical knowledge to life.

If you’d like to read more about Shirase here on the Shipping News look here.

By the way, applications to the Fremantle College Specialist programs are currently open for Year 7, 2026. Further information is available from Fremantle College’s website right here. Applications close 16 May 2025.

By Michael Barker, Editor, Fremantle Shipping News with thanks to Claire Watkinson, Fremantle College’s Marketing Communications Officer for supplying the fab photos.

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