| 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 Further Education and Training (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 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. |
The average provincial achievement for Grades 4 to 6 increased from 40,5% in 2015 to 42% in 2016. While for Grades 7 to 9 it increased from 40,5% in 2015 to 43,3% in 2016. |
| 4. |
The following prizes were awarded to Western Cape winners in the national category:
| Name of school |
Initials and surname of learner |
Grade |
Awards |
National position |
% |
Prize |
| Kristenhof Primary |
D Sumeruk (76%) |
7 |
Top Grade 7 learner |
1 |
76 |
Tablet |
| Parklands College |
RS Sparg (81%) |
8 |
Top Grade 8 learner |
2 |
81 |
Tablet |
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| 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 to 12:00 on Thursday, 11 May 2017. The closing date for registration for the Western Cape is Tuesday, 28 February 2017. |
| 6. |
The WCED once again invites all schools to participate in the 2017 Olympiad. 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 district offices and/or science centres by no later than 14:00 on Monday, 27 February 2017. |
| 7. |
The participation fee for the Olympiad is R10.00 per learner. The fees must be deposited directly into SAASTA’s bank account. The banking details are provided on the entry form. There is no limit on the number of learners that may be entered. |
| 8. |
The WCED will pay the entries of the learners from no-fee paying schools and the Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST) focus schools. All these schools should send their learner entries directly to Ms Suanne Rampou by no later than 15:00 on Monday, 27 February 2017. They can email them to Suanne.Rampou@westerncape.gov.za or fax them to 086 205 1450. |
| 9. |
Schools are requested to maintain the integrity of the Olympiad through careful invigilation. An irregularity will automatically disqualify a school from the Olympiad. |
SIGNED: PAD BEETS
DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL: CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT MANAGEMENT
DATE: 2017:01:17
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