"By health I mean the power to live a full, adult, living, breathing life in close contact with what I love - the earth and the wonders thereof - the sea - the sun." Katherine Mansfield.

Queen Charlotte College Aquaculture Academy (QCCAA) was initiated during 2002 as a partnership between Queen Charlotte College and the New Zealand Marine Farming Association (NZMFA).

The mandate of the Academy is to advance the skill levels and understanding of students attending and, when possible, to carry out meaningful research on issues relating to the aquaculture industry.

Since the start of 2005, the Academy has offered Aquaculture courses at year 11, 12 and 13. The year 11 course, together with the year 12 course, provide the opportunity for students to attain the Level 2 National Certificate in Aquaculture. In addition, students can obtain dive qualifications and boating qualifications from PADI and the NZ Coastguard Boating Education Service respectively.

The year 13 course makes use of the skills and knowledge acquired by students during year 11 and 12 to develop and maintain research projects in the laboratory and the field. A key component of all the courses is the engagement of students through hands-on learning.