The University of the Western Cape’s Science Learning Centre for Africa (UWC-SLCA) has launched nine new state-of-the-art science learning centres (SLCs) to provide a creative space to support the teaching and learning of science and technology at schools in the Western Cape.
“It's about creating opportunities for children to reach their full potential,” says Prof Hartley, the Director of the UWC-SLCA. “This will help create the next generation of STEM innovators to address the challenges of the twenty-first century.” UWC-SLCA, in partnership with Garden Cities Archway Foundation and the Western Cape Education Department, embarked on a process of improving the infrastructure in which these gateway subjects are taught.
The new SLCs will officially be opened on 3, 4 and 19 September 2018:
|
3 September 2018 |
4 September 2018 |
19 September 2018 |
|
Bridgeville Primary, |
Nomzamo Secondary, |
PW de Bruin Primary, |
|
Portia Primary, |
Elsies River Secondary, |
Clanwilliam Secondary, |
|
Pelican Park Secondary, |
Windermere Primary, |
Vredendal Secondary, |
These nine schools bring the total number of SLCs - constructed by UWC at Western Cape schools since 2011 - to 66. Five SLCs have been constructed in the Eastern Cape as well.
Science Learning For Africa: Building Futures Together
The initiative has won a number of awards for improving teaching and learning of science and mathematics at disadvantaged schools.
The SLCA is working with over 350 teachers and 80,000 students to build a culture of maths and science learning through:
- Tutorial programmes for Grade 12 learners;
- Science competitions and clubs in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape;
- A Women in Mathematics programme;
- An Aviation programme; and,
- A Robotics Initiative.
“I'm often asked just how we determine which schools should get a lab,” Prof Hartley says. “It's not just a token process. We look for commitment and excellence in science teachers and from school management, and think hard about how our selection can make a difference.”
“It's almost a reward of sorts for their hard work and achievement over a number of years – and certainly our science teachers and learners can use a reward these days.”
Want to know more? Visit the Science Learning Centre For Africa website (Science Learning Centre For Africa) or Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/slca.ac.za/) or email slca@uwc.ac.za and find out how science, maths and education can make the world a better and more interesting place.
