ONE of the most keenly debated issues every year is the performance of our school leavers in the critical areas of math and science.
Global studies show that South Africa lags behind other industrialised nations in producing graduates with sufficient qualifications in these subjects from our tertiary institutions.
In most instances the root of the problem is traced back to the critical high school years.
AZ well-placed intervention vehicle is the Smart Young Mindz (SYM) Challenge. This is an innovative collaboration of Blue IQ, the economic infrastructure agency of Gauteng and the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) and media, publicity and nation-building partner, Sowetan.
SYM is a math, science, technology and entrepreneurship competition for pupils in grades eight to 10. They are encouraged to submit smart business ideas and to generate concepts for businesses or products that assists communities. Ideas should be of such a high standard that they can be developed into commercially-viable projects.
Judging is done by engineering experts and senior GDE officials.
The number of participating schools have increased since 2007, when 100 schools were targeted reaching 20 000 pupils. In 2008, 230 schools were targeted reaching up to 50 000 pupils. In 2009, 350 schools and at least 70000 pupils were reached.
More than R100000 can be won. This year, pupils in more than 470 schools are taking part . Winners will be known in Johannesburg on November 23.
Sadly math, science and technology have acquired the reputation of being "difficult subjects". Thankfully parents and pupils nowknow that math and science are not theoretical concepts that stand aloof from the "real world" and are essential building blocks for participation and survival in the "real world."
To encourage young people to study the natural sciences at school level and even consider a career in engineering, technology and the applied sciences, the GDE has introduced National Science Week and Youth into Science Strategy.
Blue IQ has a strategic interest to stimulate interest in science, math, technology and entrepreneurship.
Over the years, we have identified, nurtured and developed strategic economic infrastructure for Gauteng , of which the Gautrain, Cradle of Humankind, Constitution Hill and the Nelson Mandela Bridge are among our most visible successes.
Another Blue IQ project is The Innovation Hub, a science park in Pretoria, which is being developed into a regional centre of innovation and knowledge creation.
Gauteng needs to be a "smart province" to attract investment, trade and commerce in the highly competitive global environment. "Smart money" goes to "smart regions" with well-developed roads, electricity and sanitation networks, communication infrastructure and a mature social, political and economic environment.
- The writer is chief executive of Blue IQ. Edited by Victor Mecoamere, Sowetan's nation-building affairs projects and programmes manager.
A boost for our schools
ONE of the most keenly debated issues every year is the performance of our school leavers in the critical areas of math and science.
Global studies show that South Africa lags behind other industrialised nations in producing graduates with sufficient qualifications in these subjects from our tertiary institutions.
In most instances the root of the problem is traced back to the critical high school years.
AZ well-placed intervention vehicle is the Smart Young Mindz (SYM) Challenge. This is an innovative collaboration of Blue IQ, the economic infrastructure agency of Gauteng and the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) and media, publicity and nation-building partner, Sowetan.
SYM is a math, science, technology and entrepreneurship competition for pupils in grades eight to 10. They are encouraged to submit smart business ideas and to generate concepts for businesses or products that assists communities. Ideas should be of such a high standard that they can be developed into commercially-viable projects.
Judging is done by engineering experts and senior GDE officials.
The number of participating schools have increased since 2007, when 100 schools were targeted reaching 20 000 pupils. In 2008, 230 schools were targeted reaching up to 50 000 pupils. In 2009, 350 schools and at least 70000 pupils were reached.
More than R100000 can be won. This year, pupils in more than 470 schools are taking part . Winners will be known in Johannesburg on November 23.
Sadly math, science and technology have acquired the reputation of being "difficult subjects". Thankfully parents and pupils nowknow that math and science are not theoretical concepts that stand aloof from the "real world" and are essential building blocks for participation and survival in the "real world."
To encourage young people to study the natural sciences at school level and even consider a career in engineering, technology and the applied sciences, the GDE has introduced National Science Week and Youth into Science Strategy.
Blue IQ has a strategic interest to stimulate interest in science, math, technology and entrepreneurship.
Over the years, we have identified, nurtured and developed strategic economic infrastructure for Gauteng , of which the Gautrain, Cradle of Humankind, Constitution Hill and the Nelson Mandela Bridge are among our most visible successes.
Another Blue IQ project is The Innovation Hub, a science park in Pretoria, which is being developed into a regional centre of innovation and knowledge creation.
Gauteng needs to be a "smart province" to attract investment, trade and commerce in the highly competitive global environment. "Smart money" goes to "smart regions" with well-developed roads, electricity and sanitation networks, communication infrastructure and a mature social, political and economic environment.
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