| 1. |
The Olympiad is a national project that aims to support teachers of Natural Sciences and improve classroom practice. The project is sponsored by Edcon through the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement. Following a successful pilot project in 2011, the Olympiad will now be open to all interested schools in 2012. |
| 2. |
In 2011, the top Grade 7 learner in the Western Cape was Thamsanqa Kema of Tyholora Primary School in George, who won an iPod. |
| 3. |
The number of learners enrolling for science subjects in the FET band has dropped. The Natural Sciences Olympiad is therefore aimed at creating interest and resuscitating the desire to study the sciences. In the 21stCentury, the natural sciences demand that learners demonstrate abilities such as critical thinking, problem-solving and creativity. |
| 4. |
The FET examination results in the sciences (Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Agricultural Sciences and Geography) are not improving sufficiently in our schools, especially within our disadvantaged communities. Learners need to be better prepared for FET study. |
| 5. |
There are impressive prizes for top performance in the Olympiad. |
| 6. |
We therefore encourage all schools to enter Intermediate Phase and Senior Phase learners as participants in this stimulating opportunity. |
| 7. |
This is a mass participation event and up to 75 learners may register per school. The Olympiad will be written on Wednesday, 2 May 2012. |
| 8. |
The Olympiad is divided into two categories: Intermediate Phase and Senior Phase. Separate question papers will be written for these two categories. Currently, the Olympiad exam is offered only in English. Despite this, Vergenoeg Primary School in the West Coast, which has Afrikaans as its language of instruction, achieved second position in the province in 2011. The national organisers have indicated that the Olympiad question papers will be translated into Afrikaans in 2013. |
| 9. |
All schools are invited to participate in this Olympiad. Principals are requested to complete the attached registration forms (Annexure A and Annexure B) and return them by no later than 14:00 on Friday, 24 February 2012 to the relevant curriculum official at their district office (see list below):
| Education district |
Curriculum official |
Tel. |
Fax |
e-Mail |
| Cape Winelands |
Edgar Johannes
GET co-ordinator |
023 348 4604 |
086 531 0476 |
Eajohann@pgwc.gov.za |
| Eden & Central Karoo |
Alta Raath
Head: CCA |
044 803 8326 |
086 511 0504 |
Asraath@pgwc.gov.za |
| Overberg |
Jenny Bridgeman
Head: CCA |
028 214 7359 |
028 214 7400 |
Julster@pgwc.gov.za |
| West Coast |
Ebrahim Peck
GET co-ordinator |
021 860 1569 |
021 872 5394 |
Epeck@pgwc.gov.za |
| Metro North |
Malefo Makena
GET co-ordinator |
021 938 3104 |
021 938 3183 |
Mmakena@pgwc.gov.za |
| Metro East |
Ursula Esau
GET co-ordinator |
021 900 7051 |
021 903 9484 |
Uesau@pgwc.gov.za |
| Metro South |
Fadli Wagiet
GET co-ordinator |
021 370 2041 |
086 556 9519 |
Fwagiet@pgwc.gov.za |
| Metro Central |
Avrille Morgendal
GET co-ordinator |
021 514 6770 |
021 514 6953 |
Amorgend@pgwc.gov.za |
|
| 10. |
Your school’s effort towards making science in the classroom more exciting will be much appreciated. |
SIGNED: BK SCHREUDER
DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL: CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT MANAGEMENT
DATE: 2012:02:13
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