1. National Science Week, which started in 2000, has now become an annual event which is sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and supported by the Minister of Education and the Western Cape MEC. The National Science Week will be held from the 7 May - 11 May 2005 in all 9 provinces.
2. The WCED fully supports the activities which will be conducted in the Western Cape to achieve the following three objectives:

  • To create awareness of the important role that science plays in people’s daily lives;

  • To encourage our youth to consider studying and improving their performance in mathematics and science; and

  • To attract more youth into science, engineering and technology (SET) careers.
3. Three centres in the Western Cape have been targeted for activities during the Science Week. Schools are requested to avail themselves of the opportunites provided by these centres. The following table lists the centres, gives a summary of their activities and contact details of the person whom the school can contact for further information and bookings.
Name of CentreTarget GroupActivitiesContact details
MTN ScienCentre Century City Cape TownGrade R to 12 learners teachers and public.Wide range of workshops, talks, science shows, excursions, demonstrations and science theatreRidley Esbie
Vanessa Bolters
Tel: 021 529 8100 Fax: 021 529 8179
Hermanus Magnetic Observatory, HermanusLearners, teachers and publicOpen days, lectures, seminars, learners’ competitions, role modeling, outreach to schools, educators’ workshops and science exhibits.Ms E. Fraser
Tel: 028 312 1196
Fax: 028 312 2039
IThemba Laboratories Somerset WestLearners, teachers and publicOpen days, outreach, science exhibits, career expo and educators’ workshops.Ms G. Stone
Tel: 021 843 1113
Fax: 021 843 3525

Please contact these centres to organise visits and possible transport, if available.
4. Schools are requested to highlight science activities during that week at the school by, for example:

  • Organising a science open day at the school

  • Inviting local scientific people to speak to learners

  • Focusing on maths, science and technology related careers

  • Informing staff of the Indigenous Knowledge System’s Policy gazetted in March 2005. The Policy is available on the website: http://curriculum.wcape.school.za (Go to Useful Links (right column) and click on Indigenous Knowledge Systems  [size: 837 KB] ).
5. Schools in due course will be receiving promotional material from the South African Agency for Advancement of Science and Technology (SAASTA).


SIGNED: M.J. CAMERON
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2005:04:28