Overview

Traditionally, during the July vacation, a group of learners who excel or demonstrate potential in the National Science Olympiad are invited to participate in a week-long science event.

The Science Focus Week programme for some 100 top performers in the Olympiad includes excursions, lectures and workshops, offering an additional enrichment experience.

2016

In 2016, the week-long event included visits to the BMW, the National Zoological Gardens, Denel Dynamics, Nissan SA, the Johannesburg Observatory, NECSA, the Cullinan Diamond Mine, CSIR and the Wits Origins Centre.

The Focus Week culminated in a high-profile awards ceremony held at Gallagher Convention Centre on June 30. Key stakeholders from the government, science councils and the business sector were invited to the event. More than 30 awards were given to deserving schools and learners in different categories.

Over the years, participation in the National Science Olympiad has increased significantly from about 700 learners in 1967 to more than 30 000 in 2016. SAASTA encourages careers in Science, Engineering and Technology by identifying and nurturing talent, and by exposing learners to opportunities to further their studies and careers.

2015

In 2015, the week-long event included visits to the National Botanical Gardens, the National Zoological Gardens, Denel Dynamics, the SABS, the Johannesburg Observatory, NECSA, the Cullinan Diamond Mine, Sci-Enza, Camera Obscura and the Wits Origins Centre.

The Focus Week culminated in a high profile Awards Ceremony held at Emperors Palace, to which key stakeholders from Government, Science Councils, and the Business sector were invited. This year the keynote speaker was the Honourable Naledi Pandor, Minister of Science and Technology. Over 30 awards were given to deserving schools and learners in different categories.

Along with these awards, two special prizes were awarded: Hamandishe Mathivha, who wrote the Olympiad for 3 consecutive years, was awarded a special prize for placing in the top 100 learners, in each of those years. He was awarded a voucher worth R40, 000.00, towards registration and tuition fees, at a University of his choice.

Dylan Forbes-Wilkinson was awarded The SAASTA Hero Award, for reacting swiftly and assisting at the scene of an accident at Cullinan Diamond Mines, in which a pedestrian was injured, during the SAASTA tour of the mine. He received a SAASTA wind-up and solar powered radio, in recognition of his evident community spirit.

Over the years, participation and performance in the National Science Olympiad has increased significantly from approximately 700 learners in 1967, to over 30 000 in 2014. SAASTA encourages careers in Science, Engineering and Technology, by identifying and nurturing talent and by exposing learners to opportunities to further their studies and careers.

Contact

Email: scienceolympiad@saasta.ac.za
Call: +27 (0)12 392 9300