Several programmes were initiated in 2003 in support of the Dinaledi Programme launched by the Department of Basic Education to improve studies in mathematics and science in South Africa.

Eighteen schools from the nine provinces (two schools per province) were selected as pilot schools for the programme. It was then popularly known as the 18 Schools Programme.

The Maths and Science Programme was launched to identify high schools with the potential to improve the mathematics and science results and attract girl learners to participate in these subjects.\

The primary objective was to provide the much-needed pipeline of the high school learners who would supply Eskom and other industries with critical engineering skills.

In pursuit of these objectives, Eskom provided funding to cover the costs for additional requirements. The schools, mostly in rural areas, were selected from previously disadvantaged backgrounds. The National Development Plan has also identified mathematics, science and technology as one of South Africa’s long-term goals for basic education.

Eskom’s strategy was to double the number of learners passing mathematics and science and increase the number of girl learners. The focus was on the provision of resources; the educator development support programmes and constant monitoring on progress achieved.

Now in its 13th year, the Eskom Maths and Science Programme sponsors 20 schools across all nine provinces. Matric pass rates for these two subjects have improved in most of these schools. In the past financial year, the schools we funded recorded a number of significant achievements:

• a matric learner at Mbilwi Secondary School in Venda, Limpopo became the top national maths and science learner, scoring 100% in both subjects. Mbilwi has been the top school in the former Venda in Limpopo until 2015 when Thengwe toppled them. The school is very active in the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists with learners participating in London and Australia in 2015;

• the Thengwe Secondary School in Venda was voted the top school in Limpopo;

• the Umso Secondary School in Northern Cape was recognised as the most improved school in the province;

• the Oval North High School in Mitchells Plain in the Western Cape achieved an overall matric pass rate of 95.1%, up from 86% in 2014;

• the Botlhabelo High School in the North West improved the mathematics pass rate from 28% to 80% in 2014; physical science moved from 19% to 77.4%. In 2015 the overall pass percentage was 95%, an improvement from 88% in 2014. Success was credited to the Eskom additional educators and resources provided, as well as the winter school.

Our investment in education is a comprehensive intervention enabling our youth to realise their full potential. We provide educator development support programmes; winter schools for learners; constant monitoring of progress; as well as resources, such as salaries for additional teachers required by the school, books, study material, electronic instruments, computers and the like.

For more information:
Eskom Media Desk
Tel:
+27 11 800 3304 / 3343
Mobile: +27 82 805 7278

Fax: 086 664 7699
Email:mediadesk@eskom.co.za

Categories: Education News