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SCHOOL NEWS - For the learners of Denneoord Primary, science has just become a whole lot more exciting.

PHOTO GALLERY - New science labs set to boost Stem learning in George and Garden Route

The school officially opened its beautiful new science teaching and learning centre (TLC) on Thursday 27 August, giving young learners a modern space in which to experiment and explore.

Judging by the excitement in the school, the children are not the only ones thrilled about the new addition. The school's two science teachers, Hestie Grimes and Jaco Coetzee, were clearly just as excited as their learners to see the new laboratory come to life.

The Denneoord laboratory is one of four newly constructed science TLCs officially opened in the Garden Route as part of a partnership between the Advancing Knowledge non-profit company (AK NPC), the Garden Cities Archway Foundation and the Western Cape Education Department.

The others are at Thembalethu and Imizamo Yethu High in George, and Indwe High in KwaNonqaba, Mossel Bay. The latest facilities bring the number of science TLCs constructed at Western Cape schools since 2011 to 131.

Personal touch

At Denneoord, the centre is arriving at a special time for the school's Grade Seven learners, who are preparing to take their next big step into high school. 

Head girl Faith Zizi is looking forward to beginning her high school career at York High School, but admits that leaving Denneoord will be bittersweet. "I guess I feel happy and sad at the same time," she said. For the younger learners, there is still plenty to look forward to.

Anga Nogilana (deputy head girl), Callan Calvert (deputy head boy), Faith Zizi (head girl) and Josh van der Merwe (head boy).

The science TLCs are intended to become hubs for a stronger culture of science learning, supporting classroom teaching, science clubs and competitions designed to spark learners' interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem).

Prof Shaheed Hartley, director of AK NPC, said the initiative is about creating the right environment for both teachers and learners to develop their confidence and skills in science.

The project is aimed at investment in South Africa's future Stem talent. Garden Cities CEO John Matthews described the science TLC project as one way the organisation is investing in the country's future human resource needs, particularly in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Brand-new equipment for Denneoord’s science lab. Photo: Michelle Pienaar

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