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42% of getS.E.T.go! readers think that the development of a 3D touch screen is a great idea and an exciting development for science. |
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17% are indifferent. |
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40% think it’s a waste of money and a gimmick. |
It is estimated that South Africa’s new Science & Technology Train, which is currently under development, will reach 14 000 learners each year.
Transnet Rail Engineering at Koedoespoort will complete the train’s renovations.
Even bigger, even better, even more
A leading retail group has joined forces with SAASTA to nurture science, engineering and technology talent, with a R4,8 million boost for its planned three-year development programme.
CNA, a division of Edcon (Pty) Ltd, will support SAASTA’s Education Unit programmes with a once-off R500 000 contribution to the Learner and Educator Development Programme, as well as R1,6 million per year for three years, for the Nurturing Science, Engineering and Technology Project.
This will make SAASTA’s intention to run a three-year development programme for educators and learners at primary schools a reality. The envisaged programme will be divided into two main focus projects, namely:
1. Natural Science Olympiad for Intermediate and Senior Phase Learners
The Natural Science Olympiad will target primary schools and junior secondary schools (grades 4-9) and will act as a feeder to the National Science Olympiad for high school learners (grade 10-12). This project will also focus on reading and numeracy. The objectives are to:
- Identify and nurture talent in natural science, life science and accounting.
- Increase the number of learners who opt for physical science, life science, accounting and mathematics at high schools (grade 10-12).
- Honour excellence in science, numeracy and mathematics.
By 2012, it is estimated that about 13 500 learners from all provinces will be participating in the annual Natural Science Olympiad for Intermediate and Senior Phase Learners.
2. Teacher and Learner Development Project for Educators
This project will target both learners and educators in grades 4-9 and will focus on the natural science learning area (physics, chemistry), life science, numeracy and mathematics. The project will aim to:
- Identify and nurture talent in natural science, life science, mathematics and accounting.
- Increase the number of learners who opt for mathematics, accounting, physical science and life science at high schools (grade 10-12).
- Cultivate and encourage critical thinking in learners.
- Expose learners to careers in the retail sector, science and engineering.
An estimated 10 000 learners and 300 educators will participate in the programme.
By sponsoring these projects, CNA will help to close the gap between advantaged and disadvantaged schools, providing support in accounting, mathematics and language, and thus increasing graduate output in careers where there are skills shortages.
About Edcon
Edcon (Pty) Ltd is a leading clothing, footwear and textiles retailing group in South Africa, trading through a range of retail formats. The first Edgars store was opened on 6 September 1929 in Joubert Street, Johannesburg. Since then, the company has grown to ten retail brands trading in over 1 000 stores in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland and Lesotho. The group employs over 20 000 people. Edcon's retail business has, through recent acquisitions, added top stationery and houseware brands such as CNA, as well as general merchandise to its CFT portfolio.