SERI SERI Science Education Resources Science Education Resources Science Education Resources Science Education Resources Initiative Initiative
Nov 13, 2014
SERI SERI
Science Education Resources Science Education Resources Science Education Resources Science Education Resources
InitiativeInitiative
SERI’s MissionSERI’s Mission
SERI is the ‘support arm’ of the Centre of
Science and Technology [COSAT].
Their joint mission is to produce quality
matriculants in Maths, Science and IT, with the
ultimate objective of addressing the dire ultimate objective of addressing the dire
shortage of suitably-qualified Science,
Engineering and Technology professionals in
South Africa.
SERI achieves its mission through a number of
initiatives targeted at secondary school learners.
South Africa has a huge shortage of
skilled people in the following fields:
Engineering
Commerce
Skills Shortages in South Africa Skills Shortages in South Africa
Commerce
Medical Sciences
Science
Technology
Information Technology
The Education System in S.A.The Education System in S.A.
RECENT RESEARCH SHOWS THAT:
Only 20% of South African 6th-graders can do Maths
at the appropriate grade levels (average score 27%).
The figure for ex-DET (black) schools is only 0,1%.
In a sample of 100 000 Grade 6 African learners, only In a sample of 100 000 Grade 6 African learners, only
100 can do Grade 6 Maths.
The education system is delivering quantity, not quality.
SO, IN A SMALL BUT MEANINGFUL WAY,
SERI AND COSAT ARE TRYING TO MAKE
A DIFFERENCE.
Centre of Science and TechnologyCentre of Science and Technology
COSATCOSAT
COSAT is based in COSAT is based in
Khayelitsha at the Good Khayelitsha at the Good
Hope campus of the False Hope campus of the False
Bay FET College. There are Bay FET College. There are
12 teachers and 180 12 teachers and 180 12 teachers and 180 12 teachers and 180
learners. learners.
In 2009:In 2009:
Grade 10:Grade 10: 81 81
Grade 11:Grade 11: 52 52
Grade 12:Grade 12: 4747
Advantages for COSAT learners:Advantages for COSAT learners:
�� Small classes (Small classes (++25 learners per class)25 learners per class)
�� Excellent resources (Labs, Library, Computers, etc.)Excellent resources (Labs, Library, Computers, etc.)
�� Exciting enrichment activitiesExciting enrichment activities
�� A caring environmentA caring environment
�� An impressive academic track record (100% pass rate, An impressive academic track record (100% pass rate, excellent Matric results)excellent Matric results)excellent Matric results)excellent Matric results)
�� Academic support programmes (Maths, Science, Academic support programmes (Maths, Science, English, IT)English, IT)
�� An eighth Matric subject An eighth Matric subject –– Advanced Mathematics Advanced Mathematics –– for for the mathematically talentedthe mathematically talented
�� Opportunities in tertiary educationOpportunities in tertiary education
Disadvantages (for some!)Disadvantages (for some!)
�� Less free time (COSAT demands hard work!)Less free time (COSAT demands hard work!)
�� A long school day (08.00 A long school day (08.00 –– 16.15)16.15)
�� A 6A 6--day school week (All COSAT learners attend day school week (All COSAT learners attend
Saturday School.)Saturday School.)Saturday School.)Saturday School.)
�� Lack of subject choice (ScienceLack of subject choice (Science--related subjects only)related subjects only)
�� For many, longFor many, long--distance travel to school.distance travel to school.
COSAT StaffCOSAT Staff
COSAT COSAT CurriculumCurriculum
�� Xhosa /Sotho (First Language)Xhosa /Sotho (First Language)
�� English (First Additional Language)English (First Additional Language)
�� Life OrientationLife Orientation
�� Physical Sciences Physical Sciences
�� Mathematics (No Maths Literacy) Mathematics (No Maths Literacy) �� Mathematics (No Maths Literacy) Mathematics (No Maths Literacy)
�� Life Sciences Life Sciences
�� Information Technology (No CAT)Information Technology (No CAT)
�� IEB Advanced Mathematics [an eighth subject for IEB Advanced Mathematics [an eighth subject for the mathematically talented]the mathematically talented]
COSAT MATRIC RESULTSCOSAT MATRIC RESULTS
Since 2001, when COSAT produced its first Since 2001, when COSAT produced its first
matriculants, the matriculation results havematriculants, the matriculation results have
been consistently excellent been consistently excellent ––
�� a 100% pass rate for 8 years in a rowa 100% pass rate for 8 years in a row
�� a 60% a 60% -- 81% rate of matric exemptions81% rate of matric exemptions
with higher grade Maths and Sciencewith higher grade Maths and Science
�� many subject distinctions (104 As in 2008) many subject distinctions (104 As in 2008)
SOME COSAT SUCCESSESSOME COSAT SUCCESSESCOSAT is the biggest township feeder school to UCT COSAT is the biggest township feeder school to UCT
and we also have many students studyingand we also have many students studying
at Stellenbosch University, UWC and CPUT.at Stellenbosch University, UWC and CPUT.
2001 2001 2002 2002
Doctor Accountant Economist Computer Programmer
What is SERI?What is SERI?
SERI IS A NONSERI IS A NON--PROFIT ORGANISATION THATPROFIT ORGANISATION THATSUPPORTS COSAT IN DIFFERENT WAYS:SUPPORTS COSAT IN DIFFERENT WAYS:
�� Recruitment (Recruitment (Fun’ulwazi Fun’ulwazi at COSAT, Sivile and Sakumlandela)at COSAT, Sivile and Sakumlandela)
�� GET IT and GET Building (in the form of bursaries awarded to individual students, for enrichment, GET IT and GET Building (in the form of bursaries awarded to individual students, for enrichment, pastoral support and academic support)pastoral support and academic support)
�� Specific academic support programmes (e.g. the Maths Initiative)Specific academic support programmes (e.g. the Maths Initiative)�� Specific academic support programmes (e.g. the Maths Initiative)Specific academic support programmes (e.g. the Maths Initiative)
�� Leadership Programmes (e.g. LeadershipLeadership Programmes (e.g. Leadership--ThroughThrough--Art)Art)
�� Career guidance and workCareer guidance and work--shadowing (Grades 11 and 12)shadowing (Grades 11 and 12)
�� Camps and Excursions (e.g. The Grade 10 Marine Biology Camp)Camps and Excursions (e.g. The Grade 10 Marine Biology Camp)
�� The COSAT and Sivile reading libraries and reading and literacy programmesThe COSAT and Sivile reading libraries and reading and literacy programmes
�� The COSAT Houses (Tutu, Mandela and Luthuli)The COSAT Houses (Tutu, Mandela and Luthuli)
SERI’s Get IT and GET Building SERI’s Get IT and GET Building
These programmes ensure the awarding of bursaries to
individual COSAT learners, whereby they are supported for
the 3-year period that they attend the school.
SERI acknowledges with gratitude the generosity of:
Murray and Roberts
American Institute for African Development (AIAD)
(USA)
Foxglove Trust (UK)
SAAB Grintek (SA)
Each COSAT learner benefits in terms of:
� A uniform subsidy
� A transport subsidy, when needed
� IT/Engineering camp
� A leadership course
GET IT/ GETGET IT/ GET BuildingBuilding
� A career guidance programme, focusing on IT/Engineering
(Grades 11 and 12)
� An IT/Engineering work shadow programme (Grade 11)
� Advanced Maths course for the mathematically talented
� Remedial Maths and IT
� A domestic support programme to address personal and social
problems (Grades 10,11 and 12)
� A leadership course
Fun’ulwazi: Fun’ulwazi: SERI’s Recruitment ProgrammeSERI’s Recruitment Programme
Practical Science Activities at Saturday School
Fun’ulwazi English Lessons (NOT OBE)
At COSAT:At COSAT:Science in the Physics labScience in the Physics lab
Information Technology (IT) is a Information Technology (IT) is a compulsory subject at COSAT.compulsory subject at COSAT.
COSAT has midCOSAT has mid--term reports.term reports.The “Choc Awards” to top achievers are a COSAT institution.The “Choc Awards” to top achievers are a COSAT institution.
COSAT learners celebrate cultural diversity.COSAT learners celebrate cultural diversity.E.g. DressE.g. Dress--up day 2008up day 2008
UniformUniform
(subsidized by SERI)(subsidized by SERI)
TransportTransport
SERI gives monthly transport subsidies to SERI gives monthly transport subsidies to students who travel far or who are in need.students who travel far or who are in need.
The COSAT The COSAT
Saturday Support ProgrammeSaturday Support Programme
All COSAT learners attend All COSAT learners attend Saturday classes on thirty Saturday classes on thirty Saturdays of the academic Saturdays of the academic Saturdays of the academic Saturdays of the academic year. year.
The focus is on Maths and IT.The focus is on Maths and IT.
Reading Development ProgrammeReading Development Programme
On 31 May 2007, SERI On 31 May 2007, SERI opened a small library in opened a small library in Khayelitsha on the COSAT Khayelitsha on the COSAT campus. So far, it carries a campus. So far, it carries a stock of more than 4000 stock of more than 4000 books, all carefully chosen to books, all carefully chosen to stimulate and amuse stimulate and amuse stimulate and amuse stimulate and amuse teenagers of varying Englishteenagers of varying English--language ability. It is used by language ability. It is used by the COSAT students and the the COSAT students and the Fun'ulwaziFun'ulwazi Grade 8s and 9s. Grade 8s and 9s.
SERI has recently opened a SERI has recently opened a brandbrand--new library at Sivile.new library at Sivile.
COSAT Feeding SchemeCOSAT Feeding Scheme
Each day COSAT learners can buy, at a Each day COSAT learners can buy, at a cost of only R1, a nourishing meal cost of only R1, a nourishing meal ––
in winter, a cup of soup and four slices of in winter, a cup of soup and four slices of bread; bread;
in summer, 2 sandwiches and fruit. in summer, 2 sandwiches and fruit. in summer, 2 sandwiches and fruit. in summer, 2 sandwiches and fruit.
This meal enables the COSAT learners This meal enables the COSAT learners to get through the long school day. to get through the long school day.
They can’t be HIGH TECH AND They can’t be HIGH TECH AND HUNGRY!HUNGRY!
Domestic Support ProgrammeDomestic Support Programme
SERI assists families in dire need SERI assists families in dire need --
and provides specs where they’re needed.and provides specs where they’re needed.
SERI funds camps and excursions . . . SERI funds camps and excursions . . . e.g. the e.g. the Grade 10 Marine Biology CourseGrade 10 Marine Biology Course
and educational outings . . .and educational outings . . .
IT SPONSORS ROBOTICS IT SPONSORS ROBOTICS
AT COSAT AND AT COSAT AND FUN’ULWAZIFUN’ULWAZI
E.g. the Lego League Robotics Competition at UCTE.g. the Lego League Robotics Competition at UCT
AND ENCOURAGES PARTICIPATIONAND ENCOURAGES PARTICIPATIONIN SCIENCE EXPOSIN SCIENCE EXPOS
e.g. the Science Expo at UCTe.g. the Science Expo at UCT
It sponsorsIt sponsors
LEADERSHIPLEADERSHIP--THROUGHTHROUGH--ART ART --
a SUPERa SUPER--FRIDAY activity for the grade 10s FRIDAY activity for the grade 10s --
and ‘GYM WIZARDS’, who do fitness training with and ‘GYM WIZARDS’, who do fitness training with
the learners, as part of Life Orientation.the learners, as part of Life Orientation.
Crab Soccer has become a popular pastime!Crab Soccer has become a popular pastime!
SERI sponsors SERI sponsors LEADERSHIP COURSES for all grades.LEADERSHIP COURSES for all grades.
COSAT has a strong debating team.COSAT has a strong debating team.
It participates annually in the UN debate.It participates annually in the UN debate.
COSAT OPENS DOORS!
2006 COSAT matriculant, Thembisa Qwabe, leaves her home for the Medical Faculty of the University of Stellenbosch to
study to become a doctor.
COSAT STUDENTS AT UCT COSAT STUDENTS AT UCT
Name Maths Science Overall Symbol Course Institution Year
Bebi Siyabulela Sean 57% 66% 71% B B.Sc UCT 2007
Biko Unathi 77% 68% 75% B B.Bus. Science UCT 2007
Dulaze Chuma 75% 69% 75% B B.Com. UCT 2007
Dulaze Luyolo 83% 75% 78% B B.Com. UCT 2007
Jas Khauhelo 60% 54% 68% C B.Sc. Mech. Eng. UCT 2007Jas Khauhelo 60% 54% 68% C B.Sc. Mech. Eng. UCT 2007
Mabuza Nhlanhla 54% 53% 65% C B.Sc Biotech. UCT 2007
Mavela Phakamani 56% 46% 69% C B.Sc Comp. Sc. UCT 2007
Mdleleni Bulelwa 89% 84% 85% A B.Sc Biochemistry UCT 2007
Nofemela Neliswa 57% 61% 70% B B.Sc Biochemistry UCT 2007
Ntshuntshe Siphiwo 77% 72% 80% A B.Bus. Sc. (Fin.) UCT 2007
Skiti Sivuyile 48% 40% 61% C B.Sc Biotech. UCT 2007
Stishi Tembelani 66% 48% 72% B B.Bus Sc UCT 2007
Thsona Vuyolwethu 53% 48% 67% C B.Sc Computer Science UCT 2007
Twala Sibusiso Taze 75% 66% 78% B B.Sc Actuarial Science UCT 2007
Mnyazi Sazi 80% 85% 88% A B.Sc Electromechanical Eng. UCT 2006
Mabentsela Arthur 80% 85% 87% A B.Sc Chemical Engineering UCT 2006
Mangqobe Nyameka 85% 85% 87% A Medicine (M.B Ch.B) UCT 2006
Metuso Makabongwe 80% 83% 87% A Chemical Engineering UCT 2006
Ncangayi Sibusiso 84% 75% 87% A Medicine (M.B Ch.B) UCT 2006
Mkoko Nyameko 68% 62% 77% B B.Sc (Electrical Eng) UCT 2006
Juqu Nandipha 59% 44% 66% C B. Com (Accounting) UCT 2006
Dludla Neliswa 60% 64% 61% C B. Com (Accounting) UCT 2006
Simphiwe Mfati 82% 91% 92% AB.Bus Science (Acc)
UCT 2005
Zodwa Nange 71% 85% 91% AB.Bus Science (Acc)
UCT 2005
Nolubabalo Tshayana 83% 80% 85% AB.Bus Science (Acc)
UCT 2005
Luyolo Lupondo 75% 72% 81% AB.Bus Science (Acc)
UCT 2005
Amanda Madolo 40% 48% 61% CPhysiotherapy
UCT 2005
Asanda Balintulo 93% 99% 92% A B.Sc (Electrical Engineering) UCT 2004
Yongama Sobambela 88% 87% 91% A B.Sc (Computer Science) UCT 2004
Mcebisi Penza 83% 80% 87% A B.Sc (Electrical Engineering) UCT 2004
Loyiso Bikitsha 85% 80% 83% A B.Sc (Computer Science) UCT 2004
Simlingene Sotyingwa 80% 80% 82% A B.Sc (Computer Science) UCT 2004
Siyamkela Makoma 82% 84% 82% A B.Bus Sc (Actuarial Science) UCT 2004
Xolani Mgcoyi 84% 80% 81% A B.Sc (Computer Science) UCT 2004
Chumani Thomas 75% 83% 81% A B.Sc (Mech. Engineering) UCT 2004
Sithelwa Breakfast 80% 82% 80% A B.Com (Accounting) UCT 2004
Lindiswa Mpako 80% 76% 79% B B.Sc (Computer Science) UCT 2004
Thulani Tafeni 72% 73% 78% B B.Sc (Computer Science) UCT 2004
Nozonke Dumani 74% 68% 71% B B.Sc (Chemical Eng) UCT 2004
Mseki Ntsiko 63% 67% 71% B B.Sc (Computer Science) UCT 2004
Siseko Sodlaka 73% 70% 71% B B.Sc (Computer Science) UCT 2004Siseko Sodlaka 73% 70% 71% B B.Sc (Computer Science) UCT 2004
Mandiphiwe Cwili 80% 52% 64% C B.Bus Science (ECP) UCT 2004
Thembelani Nyikana 93% 86% 86% A BSc (Mech. Engineering) UCT 2003
Neliswa Tshazi 65% 73% 78% B Medicine UCT 2003
Andiswa Zothe 75% 68% 77% B BSc (Chemistry) UCT 2003
Khayalethu Hlanjwa 73% 75% 77% B BSc (Electrical Engineering) UCT 2003
Mfundo Mlangeni 64% 60% 75% B BSc (Botany) UCT 2003
Sithembele Dyan 76% 64% 69% C BSc (Mech. Engineering) UCT 2003
Mandisi Shumana 53% 52% 68% C BSc (Computer Science) UCT 2003
Mohale Makeke 70% 71% 70% B BSc (Mech. Engineering) UCT 2003
Mzukisi Poponi 55% 41% 61% C BSc (BioChemistry) UCT 2003
Monde Faku 90% 87% 79% B B.Bus Sc (Actuarial Science) UCT 2002
Noluthando Mashologu 66% 67% 77% B B.Bus Science (Acc) UCT 2002
Lwazi Mathe 80% 80% 78% B B.Sc (Computer Science) UCT 2002
Ziyanda Gwangqa 71% 64% 73% B B.Sc (Electrical Eng UCT 2002
Anele Radana 59% 58% 67% C B.Sc (Electrical Eng) UCT 2002
Zizo Sotyatya 59% 49% 66% C B.Sc UCT 2002
Zwlethu Mase 65% 60% 65% C B.Sc (Electrical Eng) UCT 2002Zwlethu Mase 65% 60% 65% C B.Sc (Electrical Eng) UCT 2002
Juqu Mongezi 69% 60% 65% C BSc (Mech Eng) ASPECT UCT 2002
Nolisindiso Ncithakalo 46% 45% 61% C B.Sc( Environmental Science) UCT 2002
Nikiwe Tafeni 46% 43% 58% C BSc (Construction Managemt) UCT 2002
Lungisa Tshemese 65% 72% 70% B B.Comm (Accounting) UCT 2001
Mfundo Sijeku 59% 61% 64% C B.Sc (Electrical Eng) UCT 2001
Ayanda Bani 61% 57% 63% C B.Sc (Electrical Eng) UCT 2001