THERE has been a shift in the methodological philosophy of the education curriculum towards an approach in which learning is linked to real-life applications.

THERE has been a shift in the methodological philosophy of the education curriculum towards an approach in which learning is linked to real-life applications.

The Sci-Bono Discovery Centre has been instrumental in ensuring that classroom study is supplemented by real-life applications. Sci-Bono hosted the regional finals of the SAP FIRST LEGO League Robotics Challenge at the weekend.

Teams of schoolchildren tackled real-world problems facing scientists and engineers. A total of 44 teams took part, giving an opportunity to learners from disadvantaged backgrounds to enjoy science and technology in an unconventional way.

Fannie Matumba, education manager at Sci-Bono, said the purpose of the competition was to "introduce learners to robotics and electronics and to get them to learn science and technology through applied activity . and help us produce engineers".

"Learners are exposed to technology that they would not see in the classroom ."