Overview
The National Science Olympiad is one of SAASTA’s flagship projects. Since 2005, the now 56-year-old project has offered learners in grades 10-12 an exciting opportunity to compete in science with fellow learners from SADC countries such as Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The competition comprises an annual examination in science (Physical and Life Sciences). The top national performers win all-expenses-paid trips to the London International Youth Science Forum and the Australian National Youth Science Forum.
The main aim of the competition is to identify talent, to encourage excellence in science education and to stimulate interest in the sciences. It seeks to inspire young people to consider careers in science and technology.
Traditionally, during the June/July vacation, a group of 100 learners who excel or demonstrate potential in the Olympiad examination are invited to participate in a Science Focus Week consisting of stimulating lectures, excursions, industry visits and other fun events. Learners from different categories who demonstrate exceptional performance are selected to attend either the London International Youth Science Forum during July/August or the Australian National Youth Science Forum in January of each year.
During the focus week a high profile award giving ceremony is organised and key stakeholders from government, science councils, and the business sector are invited. Next year the National Science Focus Week will be during the June/July vacation and a high profile award giving ceremony will be held in the last week of June.
Enter the 2020 National Science Olympiad
- The entry fee for both the National and Natural Science Olympiads is R35.00 per learner per paper.
- Learners can enroll for either Physical Sciences or Life Sciences or both subjects
- All papers are available in both English and Afrikaans
POSTPONEMENT OF SCIENCE OLYMPIADS AND ASTRO-QUIZ
Following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement on Sunday, 15 March 2020 that schools will be closed from 18 March 2020 until after the Easter holidays in order to curb the spread of COVID-19 (Corona Virus), NRF-SAASTA has subsequently decided to postpone the following Olympiads and Competitions until further notice.
National Science Olympiads:
a) Natural Sciences (Grades 4-6)
b) Natural Sciences (Grades 7-9)
c) Life Sciences (Grades 10 – 12)
d) Physical Sciences (Grades 7)
e) Astro-Quiz (Grade 7)