Fairmount High School in Grassy Park was one of nine schools to receive a new science laboratory.
On Tuesday 19 September, Western Cape Minister of Education David Maynier officially opened the new lab in partnership with Advancing Knowledge NPC and the Archway Foundation.
The Science Laboratory Refurbishment Programme supplies science equipment and chemicals for the lab as well as training for teachers, says Maynier.
“Investing in the development of the labs and our teachers will empower our learners with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the sciences, and to take advantage of the career opportunities in scientific fields.
“Teachers from the surrounding schools are also included in the training to expand the impact of the project beyond the recipient schools.”
Prof Shaheed Hartley, founder of Advancing Knowledge, says developing a strong culture of science teaching and learning will be a good start to prepare learners to take their place in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
“We have to start with the basics in terms of supporting teachers to have the confidence to teach science with an advanced level of understanding, knowledge and skills.
“Similarly, we have to be creative in providing learners with opportunities that will claim their interest and willingness to learn.”
Natasha Fry, Life Sciences teacher and coordinator of the Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) network at the school, says it is important not to place children in boxes of either art or science.
“Some people say only certain children can do science. As much as I believe that some people’s brains are wired for arts, science and maths … I am not a maths person yet I am passionate about science.
“So, we find children like that and I think it is important not to stringently box people into an arts person and nonscience person.
Fry says learners want to engage with technology which is based on science and makes it an important subject.
“We know how important science is in every sphere of life, especially now post covid. It taught us that we need to find alternative ways to the norm.
“We have children who don’t do science but come do STEM club activities so we are thrilled and grateful that we have the new lab.”
Anton Janari, acting principal at the school, says the science lab is aimed at Grade 8 to 12 learners.
“The physical structure of the new lab is there to teach natural sciences, for Grade 8 and 9, as well as physical and life sciences.
“The classroom has a new desk arrangement more suitable to practical work and a smart board has been fitted. Unfortunately, there is only basic equipment and from the school side we would have to equip the lab with required equipment from our existing norms and standards.”
Janari says often schools in poorer communities do not have the facilities.
“There is always the excuse that the poorer schools do not have facilities and that is why few learners take maths and science.
“Now there is no excuse because we have the facility and the onus is on the school to make sure that it is utilized to the maximum in order to grow science.”
Myrtle February, chair of the Garden Cities Archway Foundation, said due to a lack of adequate facilities, physical science and related subjects were not offered at many schools.
“Given the opportunities, all learners have the ability to be successful. Social circumstances and lack of facilities should not determine their future success.”
