Entshonalanga Primary School learners recently achieved top positions during the Science Expo competition.
Situated in Maokeng Section, this school was represented by 12 learners. Nine of them clinched bronze while one scooped silver.
“We entered this competition during the first term, where we selected 12 learners and gave them a task to come up with ideas of what is happening within their space and environment, something that they would be able to solve themselves.
“They came up with various topics, ranging from littering, bullying and crime to how to save water in schools. They conducted their own research and we guided them here and there,” explained the learners’ mentor and teacher, Zinhle Maseko.
“After some intense research and coaching, we then entered the competition, which was held in Kempton Park, and competed against different schools within Ekurhuleni.
“And 10 of our learners came out tops, with one obtaining silverware,” she continued.
The learner who obtained silver, Khomotso Mosena, went all the way to represent the school at the International Science Fair held in Benoni, where she again scooped silver.
“Here, she competed against learners drawn from schools from around the African continent. She was the only junior in this competition,” said Maseko.
She said as a teacher this competition opened up her world and she is now aware of the issues that are affecting her community and surroundings.
“I am also aware of other things I previously took for granted and didn’t know regarding science. There was also one learner who wasn’t good and keen on science, but after taking part in this competition the child has grown fond of the subject,” she said.
Maseko also teamed up with another teacher, Kagisho Mabape, to prepare the learners to successfully take part in the National Science Week debate competition.
Here they competed with high school learners but came out tops again.
Mosena said the competition was an eye-opener for her and she would like to participate again.
