| 1. |
The national Natural Science Olympiad is a project sponsored by Edcon through the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA). The Olympiad is aimed at
- creating an interest in science among learners and encouraging them to study the sciences in the FET Phase;
- identifying top Natural Sciences learners nationally;
- supporting Natural Sciences teachers and improving their classroom practice; and
- identifying talent among Natural Sciences learners.
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| 2. |
The Olympiad is a stimulating activity which requires entrants to demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving ability, innovativeness and creativity. It supports the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) Strategy for Mathematics and Physical Science. There are impressive prizes to be won by the top performers in the Olympiad. |
| 3. |
In 2013, 64 primary schools in the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) wrote the Olympiad. The following prizes were awarded to Western Cape winners in the national category:
| Name of school |
Surname & initials of learner |
Grade |
% obtained |
Prize |
| Sunlands Primary |
Jasson D |
6 |
83 |
Tablet, trophy, medal and certificate |
| Star International |
Hoosain M I |
6 |
82 |
Tablet, trophy, medal and certificate |
| Eikestad Primary |
Van Wyk T M |
6 |
82 |
Tablet, trophy, medal and certificate |
| Kleinmond Primary |
Top performing schools nationally – 3rd place |
Trophy and a laboratory equipment voucher for R4000 |
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| 4. |
Talented learners such as these need to be recognised and encouraged in our schools. |
| 5. |
The Olympiad is a multiple-choice examination which is offered in English only. It is divided into two categories, Intermediate Phase and Senior Phase. It will be written from 09:00 – 12:00 on Thursday, 8 May 2014. The closing date for the registration is Friday, 31 January 2014. |
| 6. |
The WCED encourages schools to enter promising science learners in Grades 4 to 9 for the 2014 Natural Science Olympiad. |
| 7. |
Note that the Olympiad is compulsory for all learners in Dinaledi Main and Dinaledi Incentive Schools. |
| 8. |
The participation fee for the Olympiad is R10.00 per learner. The fees must be deposited directly into SAASTA’s bank account. The details are provided on the entry form. There is no limit on the number of learners that may be entered. |
| 9. |
Schools are requested to maintain the integrity of the Olympiad through careful invigilation. An irregularity will automatically disqualify a school from the Olympiad. |
| 10. |
Schools are requested to complete and sign the attached registration forms (Addenda A and B) and return them, by fax or e-mail, directly to SAASTA by no later than 14:00 on Friday, 31 January 2014. |
SIGNED: BK SCHREUDER
DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL: CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT MANAGEMENT
DATE: 2013:12:04
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