SAASTA getSETgo, January 2013: London International Youth Science Forum

For the past 48 years, the National Science Olympiad has been one of the highlights on the annual science education calendar. With the assistance of sponsors like Harmony Gold Mining Company, participation in the Olympiad has grown with leaps and bounds.


High spirits - members of the South African team celebrate science with representatives from all over the world.		Dzulani Thanyani of Mbilwi Secondary School in Limpopo (right) makes new friends at Imperial College in London.

What began as a science promotional assembly for grade 12 learners is now one of the premier science competitions of the nation, providing rigorous, standards-based challenges to more than 22 000 grade 10-12 learners in nine provinces. The competition comprises an annual examination in science, and the top national performers win an all-expenses-paid trip to the London International Youth Science Forum.

In the words of a Science Olympiad winner: "The National Science Olympiad is the best thing that has happened to me during my high school career."

When my unit at SAASTA nominated me to act as chaperone for a group of learners* headed for the London International Youth Science Forum, I must admit I was slightly skeptical - the thought that something unpleasant could happen to the learners in London while under my supervision terrified me. After browsing through the programme of events for the forum, I realised just how much fun the learners would have and what a life-changing experience it would be for them. This made me reconsider. I immediately packed my bags, ready to take on my duties as their chaperone.

On 15 August 2012 we all gathered at OR Tambo International. The atmosphere as we took off to London is difficult to describe. There was something infinitely appealing about a group of young adults from different walks of life uniting under the "science" umbrella. To me this demonstrated that science knows no barriers; that it can penetrate through race, culture and poverty; that it can be full of optimism. I felt proud to be part of this team.

On their arrival, the learners received the schedule of events for the next two weeks. Nearly every day was filled to the brim with scientific visits, lectures, debates and excursions. The opening ceremony at the Royal College of Music's Britten Theatre - where the learners relished the opportunity to wave the South African flag - set the scene for the fascinating two weeks ahead.

I was envious of these young learners when I saw the lineup of remarkable scientists who would be lecturing them on ground-breaking research. After one of the lectures I overheard a learner share this snippet of information with his fellow learners, "That lecture by Maurice Brown concerning the impact of hydrogen fuel technology on our future was an eye-opener; it made me realise how serious European countries are taking the issue of going green and I am reconsidering my whole career plan." I was moved by this learner's statement and was pleased to know that he was now contemplating a future in science.

Throughout the forum the learners' educational experience was supported by visits to a range of institutions both in and outside London. The learners got to visit the University College of London, University of Oxford's neuroscience department, and the John Innes Centre in Norwich. With each visit I witnessed a love of science being sparked and cultivated within the learners and they all came back home with a new lease of scientific life.

The trip has been a life-changing experience for the learners as well as their chaperone. I will continue carrying the inspiration that this generation of young science leaders stimulated in me and urge other learners to enter the National Science Olympiad to grasp the opportunity to experience the same.

I would like to thank SAASTA as well as the sponsor, Harmony Gold Mining Company, for making it all possible.

Educators can now enroll learners in grades 10 - 12 for the 2013 National Science Olympiad. The entry form is available on the SAASTA website under National Science Olympiad.

* Thiolan Naidoo and Rishen Singh of Star College in KwaZulu-Natal, Bevuya Mahamba, Hudson Park High School, Eastern Cape, Jessica Breet, St Andrew's School for Girls, Gauteng and Dzulani Thanyani of Mbilwi Secondary School in Limpopo.

I left Durban together with another team member from Star College (Rishen Singh) on Wednesday, 15 August 2012. I was both excited and anxious.

I arrived at OR Tambo International Airport and met my chaperone and other members of the South African team. All the other team members felt exactly as I did. We were all excited and as we boarded the plane to London, we realised we would not be getting much sleep.

We arrived at Heathrow Airport in London on Thursday 16 August and made our way to the Imperial College of London. This was going to be our home for the next two weeks. On our arrival, we were shown to our rooms and instructed to catch up on sleep as our schedule for the next 13 days was going to be both mentally and physically taxing.

The first day at the London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF) included the opening ceremony held at the Royal College of Music, a lecture on 'Antibodies' and a welcome party. These items on the agenda provided us with the opportunity to meet the staff and other students at the forum.

The highlight of the first week was the 'Science Forum Bazaar', where learners displayed and discussed their own research products. The first week also included The Great Crossword Treasure Hunt, an International Cabaret, the LIYSF Olympics and many informative and entertaining lectures.

The second week was a bit more relaxed. We had a Students' Debate Evening, a "Songs from Home" night and a visit to the Natural History Museum. In between the lectures we even managed to go shopping and explore London.

The closing ceremony and farewell party were both exciting and sad. We did not want to leave London. We all had a great time, made many friends and enjoyed the experience. I will treasure these moments and friends that I have made.

I would like to thank SAASTA for providing me with this amazing opportunity. I have learnt a great deal about research, science and London as a result of SAASTA's generosity in funding my trip.