EXPLOITING NEW FACILITIES Bosmansdam High School grade 11 learner Shane Klaaste conducting an experiment in the new science centre
International petroleum refiner and marketer Chevron South Africa (SA) – which retails under the Caltex brand locally – opened a science learning centre on October 20, 2014, at Bosmansdam High School, in Bothasig, Cape Town.
Chevron SA donated more than R500 000 towards the development of the centre to enhance mathematics and science education at the school.
“This year, government emphasised investing in mathematics, science and technology education as a priority. Chevron SA invests considerably in advancing education outcomes in disadvantaged communities as part of a strategy that aligns with the needs of the communities and the priorities of government,” says Chevron SA policy, government and public affairs manager Donna Fata.
Speaking at the opening of the learning centre, Western Cape Education MEC Debbie Schäfer said the future growth of the economy is dependent on education outcomes that harness the development of scarce skills.
“Eleven of the top 20 scarcest skills identified in the National Scarce Skills List are engineering-related, and to improve the availability of these skills we need to attract new talent; thereby investing in mathematics and science resources, providing an exciting learning environment for high school learners.”
Prior to the construction of this centre, most of the 820 learners currently enrolled at Bosmansdam High School conducted science experiments in an ordinary classroom.
“If we are to nurture future engineers we need adequate facilities to do so. This centre will go a long way in achieving this by elevating the teaching of maths and science,” says Bosmansdam headmaster Danie Human.
Chevron’s investment funded the construction and resourcing of the centre to specifications of a proven design by the University of the Western Cape’s (UWC’s) Science Learning Centre for Africa (SLCA).
The SLCA, which is part of the UWC’s Faculty of Education, designs and constructs facilities that are aligned with the Department of Education’s curriculum. They also support teachers and learners in mathematics, science and technology education.