Sci-Bono centre is no science fiction

The Sci-Bono Discovery Centre plays a major role in the Gauteng education system and this can attributed to the much improved performance by the province’s matriculants in the field of maths, science and technology.

This was said by Gauteng MEC for Education Barbara Creecy when she opened a new wing of the centre that is fast becoming renowned internationally for its focus on maths, science and technology education.

The new building will ensure that the centre remains one of the most popular leisure and educational destinations in Gauteng. It will expand the centre’s facilities to accommodate the growing collection of interactive maths, science and technology exhibitions, and a broad range of other science related events, activities and programmes on offer for both the school community and general public.

“In Gauteng, we have focused intensively on maths, science and technology education for the last four years and have dedicated an enormous amount of our resources and attention to these subjects, at both primary and secondary school levels. The 15 percent improvement in matric results we have been witnessing in the past three years in these subjects speak volumes of the work being done by the centre,” she said.

The centre is also the main driver of the Secondary School Improvement Programme which offers more than 67 000 Grade 12 pupils additional tuition in maths, science and other subjects. “This programme goes beyond conventional teaching, and it means that these pupils in 385 priority schools get extra teaching, resources and support, more than any other learners in the country. Both of these programmes are proving to be successful and are helping to achieve our maths and science goals.”

The centre’s CEO, David Kramer said the international image of the centre had been enhanced following the visit by American First Lady, Michelle Obama. “We have received numerous calls from that country since her visit to the centre and we are hopeful for an improved international image of Sci-Bono, and also striking working relationships with various American institutions,” he said.

Caption: Gauteng Education MEC Barbara Creecy (right) praises the work of the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre as she unveils its new wing. With her are chairperson of the centre’s board Phiroshaw Camay and MMC for Community Development Nonceba Molwele.