Maths, science under spotlight at primary schools

Christina Scott
Western Cape Education MEC Cameron Dugmore, speaking at the opening of National Science Week on May 9, in the Western Cape, announced a renewed focus on getting the basics of mathematics and science right at primary school level.

Dugmore, who spoke to teachers at the end of the launch ceremonies at the Cape Academy of Science, Mathematics and Technology in Tokai, beneath Table Mountain, said: "The numeracy rates are a major concern in grade 6. We need to strengthen what we do in our primary schools."

On May 22, for the first time, the province will honour those primary schools which have made the greatest improvement in maths and science, he told the assembled teachers.

Also attending were Western Cape science communicators such as Sivuyile Manxoyi and Isobel Bassett from the South African Astronomical Observatory in Observatory and Dr Gillian Arendse, Ryan Linden and AmbroseYaga from iThemba particle physics laboratory in Faure.

"If we don't get this right, in mathematics and science, our country is going to lose its competitive edge," Dugmore warned the audience, which included Busisiwe Maqubela, Jani de Bruin, Fikiswa Majola, Phakamisa Kwinana, Edzon Robyn and Detlef Basel from the MTN Sciencentre in Canal Walk in Cape Town.

Also present were National Youth Strategy science graduate volunteers Candice Arendse and Meshack Magatshavha, and National Research Foundation interns Samuel Motlhabane and Noluvuvo Maile, all from the Hermanus Magnetic Observatory, which monitors disturbing changes in the earth's protective magnetic belt.

Fortunately, many high school students attending the launch of National Science Week, which runs from May 10 to 17 with special events around the country, were already convinced of the value of science.

SA needs more scientists
Southfield-based Monique Timmie, age 15, a grade 10 student at Heathfield High School, said "I like physics, it's my best subject. You can go anywhere in the world with physics and South Africa needs more scientists."

Kuils River-based student Spencer Horne, who studies and boards at the Cape Academy, spoke to the audience. "Science is constantly evolving. There are daily discoveries. Science is stimulating," the teenager said.

Bersan Lesch, a speaker from the "science and youth unit" at the Department of Science and Technology in Pretoria, said over 250 000 science career booklets had been distributed and over 200 000 people were expected to participate in National Science Week.

Dr Lynthia Paul, a University of Cape Town microbiologist from Nababeep in Namaqualand, addressed the students and said: "Sometimes there were people who told me my dreams were too big. Don't let anyone tell you your dreams are too big. If you set your mind to it, it doesn't matter what your circumstances are."

South Africa's National Science Week runs until May 17th with lots of free things to do and try. The MTN Sciencentre in Canal Walk in Cape Town is throwing open its doors, with free entry, from 9am to 6pm on Saturday, May 17.