Adopt-a-School Foundation celebrates success on National Science Week

The world celebrated International Science Week between July 31 and August 5.

South Africa joined the celebration.

The Adopt-a-School Foundation seized the opportunity to recognise this noteworthy week by commemorating the advancements it has made in the life sciences, natural sciences and physical sciences by supporting these courses at the schools it has adopted.

Through its Whole School Development (WSD) program, the Adopt-a-School Foundation, a Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation partner organisation, seeks to bring about transformation throughout the school spectrum and create a learning and teaching environment.

ALSO READ: Help local foundation donate packs of sanitary pads

Through the application of its WSD model, which extends beyond academic programs, the registered non-profit organisation hopes to create dynamic, transformed, and accessible learning settings that generate capable global citizens to satisfy the developmental requirements of Southern Africa.

For National Science Week, an annual event that aims to promote and demonstrate awareness of science, the Department of Science and Innovation selected the topic of ‘Transforming lives through evidence-based science’ for this year’s celebration.

This annual nationwide celebration of science honours the importance of science and technology in everyday life.
Additionally, it links numerous participants and role players engaged in science-based activities.

Steven Lebere, chief executive officer of the Adopt-a-School Foundation, said he was proud of the advancement of the schools he has helped with life sciences, natural sciences, and physical sciences.

“We have worked with 458 educators in the area of educator development thus far.

“We equip teachers with smartboards and projectors and train them how to incorporate ICT into both teaching and learning.

ALSO READ: Local foundation brings relief to almost 6 000 families

“We also provide them with research techniques and the use of films in the classroom so that students can see what is being taught.

“Additionally, educators are trained on how to conduct experiments and are developed on content knowledge gaps and various methodologies.”

In addition, he said that 15 915 learners had benefited from extra instruction and help in the classroom.

The foundation has made sure that 35 of the schools it has supported in both urban and rural areas have access to scientific labs.

According to statistics, the Department of Basic Education attained 71.5% in life science and 69% in physical science by the end of 2022.

“With our WSD program, which gives the science topics considerable consideration, we are honoured to have contributed to the national result.”

According to matric data, performance in physical science, accounting, life sciences and mathematical literacy increased between 2021 and 2022 in the disciplines that received curricular support from the Foundation.

ALSO READ: Local foundation launches food garden

When the physical science performance of 31 schools was examined for the 2022 Adopt-a-School WSD matric performance summary report, it was discovered that the pass percentage had increased by 10.1% from a baseline result of 62.5% in 2014 to 72.6% in 2022.

Additionally, performance in physical science improved by 3.6% from 69% in 2021 to 72.6% in 2022.

“Boithaopo Secondary School and Modilati Secondary School both achieved 100% in physical science.

We are pleased to report that Modilati has maintained a pass rate of 100% for four straight years, while Boithaopo Secondary School has maintained a pass rate of 100% for two years running.

“National Science Week is significant because it serves as a reminder of how crucial the sciences are and how much attention they require,” said Lebere.

To support education through the Adopt-a-School Foundation visit, www.adoptaschool.org.za