PAGE 2 Wellington women realise their dreams
PAGE 5 Getting to the root of the drought problem
PAGE 6 UWC-CPA partnership with UM grows
PAGE 7 TOPIC 1 The next generation of researchers
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ONCAMPUS AUGUST 2017
Director at the UWC-Science Learning Centre for Africa, Professor Shaheed Hartley, with Ocean View High School learners at the opening of the school’s new science laboratory.
Promoting a science and maths culture in SA outh Africa is faced with many challenges, and one of our main hopes of finding a solution is through science. Unfortunately, the country’s high school results in science and mathematics have been weak. Many South African schools are simply not equipped to help learners develop skills in – and a love for – science. The University of the Western Cape’s Science Learning Centre for Africa (UWCSLCA) is doing something about that.
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UWC-SLCA, in conjunction with the Garden Cities Archway Foundation, has built more than 50 state-of-the-art science learning centres (science labs) to date at rural and peri-urban primary and high schools. Earlier this year science learning centres were opened at Ocean View High School, Spes Bona High School in Athlone, Phakama Secondary School in Philippi, Manzomthombo Secondary School in Mfuleni, York Road Primary School in Lansdowne, McGregor Primary School
in McGregor, Charleston Hill Secondary School in Paarl and Weltevrede NGK Primary School in Rawsonville. Three more will open this year. The science centres – equipped with smartboards, microscopes and basic lab equipment – provide support and training to science educators, get learners involved in science activities, and allow learners and teachers to work and experiment in a safe environment. Over 300 teachers and 80 000 learners have benefited thus far. “Developing a culture of science teaching and learning will be a good start to improving NSC and other assessments. We have to start with the basics, supporting teachers to have the confidence to teach science with an advanced level of understanding, knowledge and teaching skills,” explains Professor Shaheed Hartley, Director of UWC-SLCA. “Similarly, we have to be creative in providing learners with opportunities that will draw their interest and willingness to learn. The science learning centres provide the creative space where the cultures of science teaching and learning can be incubated.” UWC’s Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Tyrone Pretorius, says adequate learning facilities are pivotal in the improvement of maths and science education in the country. “The benefit of education is not just for the individuals, but for the community as a whole. If we have a population of educated individuals, we will have an educated nation,” says Prof Pretorius. For more information on this programme contact Prof Shaheed Hartley at 021 959 2680 or email slca@uwc.ac.za. AVDH ON CAMPUS
AUGUST 2017