| 1. |
The National Natural Science Olympiad is a project sponsored by 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 science in the FET Phase;
- identifying top Natural Sciences learners nationally;
- supporting Natural Sciences educators and improving their classroom practice; and
- identifying talent among Natural Sciences learners.
|
| 2. |
The Olympiad is a stimulating activity which requires participants to demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, innovation and creativity. It supports the Western Cape Education Department's (WCED) strategy for Mathematics and Physical Science. There are impressive prizes to be won by the top performers in the Olympiad. |
| 3. |
In 2015, 30 320 learners from Grades 4 to 6 and 63 281 learners from Grades 7 to 9 wrote the Olympiad in the Western Cape. The average provincial achievement was 39.7% for Grades 4 and 6 and 40.5% for Grades 7 to 9. The following prizes were awarded to Western Cape winners in the national category:
2015 Natural Science Olympiad Results
| NAME OF SCHOOL |
INITIALS AND SURNAME OF LEARNER |
GRADE |
AWARDS |
NATIONAL POSITION |
% |
PRIZE |
| Primary |
D Junor (61%) |
4 |
Top learner Grades 4 & 5 |
1 |
61 |
Tablet |
| Star College |
A Abdullah (78%) |
6 |
Top three overall national winners: Grades 4-6 |
1 |
78 |
Tablet |
| Grove Primary |
SH Hofmeister (77%) |
6 |
Top three overall national winners: Grades 4-6 |
2 |
77 |
Tablet |
| Parklands College |
RS Sparg (70%) |
7 |
Top learner Grades 7 & 8 |
1 |
70 |
Tablet |
| Parklands College |
FS Smuts (77%) |
9 |
Top three overall national winners: Grades 7-9 |
1 |
77 |
Tablet (3G) |
| NATIONAL TOP PERFORMING SCHOOLS |
| Rondebosch Boys Preparatory |
63.67% |
Grades 4-6 |
1 |
63.67 |
R6 000 voucher for lab equipment |
|
| 4. |
The WCED would like to increase the participation of learners from previously disadvantaged schools in 2016. Funding will be available to sponsor learners’ entries. The Olympiad is also compulsory for all learners in Maths, Science and Technology (MST) Schools. Funding will also be made available for their entries. All these schools should send their learners’ entries directly to Suanne Rampou by no later than 15:00 on Friday, 26 February 2016. Schools may scan their entries and email to Suanne.Rampou@westerncape.gov.za or fax to 086 205 1450. |
| 5. |
The participation fee for the Olympiad is R10.00 per learner. The fees must be deposited directly into SAASTA’s bank account. The bank details are provided on the entry form. There is no limit on the number of learners that may be entered. |
| 6. |
The Olympiad is a multiple-choice examination which is offered in English only. It is divided into two categories, i.e. Intermediate Phase and Senior Phase. It will be written from 09:00 – 12:00 on Thursday, 05 May 2016. The closing date for registration for the Western Cape is Monday, 29 February 2016. |
| 7. |
Talented learners such as the above need to be recognised and encouraged in our schools. The WCED encourages schools to enter promising science learners in Grades 4 to 9 for the 2016 Natural Science Olympiad. |
| 8. |
Schools are requested to maintain the integrity of the Olympiad through careful invigilation. An irregularity will automatically disqualify a school from the Olympiad. |
| 9. |
Schools are requested to complete and sign the attached registration forms (Addenda A and B) and return them to the nearest district office or science centre listed in Addendum C. Ensure that a copy of the registration fee receipt is stapled to the registration form. All completed registration forms should reach the various districts offices and/or science centres by no later than 14:00 on Tuesday, 23 February 2016.
|
SIGNED: PAD BEETS
ACTING DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL: CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT MANAGMENT
DATE: 2016:01:19
|
 |