Mossel Bay learners are astronomy whizzes
10 October 2019
Laerskool Park in Mossel Bay had the daunting task of representing the Western Cape at the national leg of the AstroQuiz competition in Pretoria and they certainly did the province proud by coming out tops.
The competition that is run by the South African Agency for Advancement of Science and Technology (SAASTA) and implemented by the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) in the Western Cape, is a great way to sharpen the mind of learners and to inspire them to get engaged in astronomy. It is also special tool for teachers to use in the classroom to support the learners in the teaching of Earth and beyond.
It started off this year with 498 learners from all districts of the Western Cape participating in the first two rounds at schools. Excitement mounted in the provincial round in August when learners from 37 schools descended on the observatory in Cape Town. Many of them must have been nervous. After all, now was the time to put their knowledge about the universe to good use and compete against their peers from around the province.
At the end of the provincial finals, Laerskool Park was the clear winner. The runners-up were Mohammadeya Primary in second place, Outeniqua Primary in George in third, Rondebosch East Primary in fourth and St Andrews Primary in Saldanha in fifth place.
At national level, the learners had to answer some tough questions! They also had to wait for two days before the results were announced at a glamorous ceremony held at the CSIR. To calm their nerves, they were treated to a visit of the Zoological Gardens.
And then the big moment came: The Western Cape flew its colours high and came out top of the competitors! Congratulations to Laerskool Park’s astronomy whizzes and their teacher!