School specialising in mining officially launched in Mohlakeng

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane officially launched the Phahama Maths, Science, and ICT School of Specialisation with a focus on mining in Mohlakeng on August 31.

According to Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) spokesperson Steve Mabona, they are moving beyond the normal status quo of our Public Ordinary Schools.

“We are launching schools that will be a beacon in our communities and produce learners who are highly skilled, ready to work, ready to continue to institutions of higher learning or start their own businesses. We are doing our best to prepare learners for the jobs of the future, jobs that may not exist currently, and we are achieving this through Schools of Specialisation.

“We are pushing for learners to have skills that are linked to the economy in the proximity of their school. Phahama Maths, Science and ICT School of Specialisation is in the Western Economic Corridor where the focus is on mining, archaeology, logistics, tourism and manufacturing.”

He said learners at this school have already proven their diligence in resolving challenges in the mining sector by developing many innovative solutions.

“As early as grade nine, learners have invented a Network Time Protocol Server which enables GPS signals and accurate time to be accessed while underground. Learners have also developed an app that detects whether miners have their safety helmets on or not, have created models of machinery that can advance the process of mining, and have displayed a deep understanding of the operations within the sector.

“As the department, we are thrilled by this display of knowledge and insight of a sector which was previously not taught in the basic education curriculum. We anticipate the advanced educational outcomes we will achieve through Schools of Specialisation and look forward to launching many more such schools across the province.”