Learners and teachers from various high schools participated in the Minquiz Regional Competition on the Edgewood campus.
The annual national Science and Mathematics competition for Grade 12 learners includes written and oral components. Mintek sponsors the entire event, including lunch, prizes and accommodation as well as air-tickets for the final KwaZulu-Natal team that took part in the national finals in July.
The teachers also participated in a seminar on Community Engagement and Climatic Change presented by academics, Dr Angela James and Professor Nadaraj Govender.
Govender, who co-ordinated the quiz, said that the School of Education has hosted the competition for the past 19 years. It aims to encourage interest in careers in science, engineering and technology especially in minerals and metallurgy and to promote awareness of the importance of minerals and metallurgy to South Africa.
Learners write an individual multiple-choice test, after which they compete as a team during a live, on-stage oral quiz also with multiple-choice questions.
“Semi-finals are held in all nine provinces on the same day. Questions are in the areas of Physical Sciences, Mathematics, and general knowledge in science, engineering and technology, and are in line with the national curriculum,” said Govender.
Winners of the regional competition were grouped into Gold or Platinum based on the school’s resources and results.
The three winners in the Platinum category were Mr Nivan Poken (Westville Boys High School), Ms Maya Fleischer (St Anne’s Diocesan College) and Mr Aaryikh Terane Rawthee (Kingsway High School).
Gold Category winners were Mr Onwabile Sanda (Sikhwama High School), Mr Sibongakonke Zondo (Meridian School) and Mr Ayanda Maphumulo (Sikhwama High School).
Mr Aloius Maregere, a Science teacher at Meridian School said, “This competition is a great way for learners to become interested in the science field. They gain more confidence, more exposure to life after school and the possibilities for success that science offers. I would encourage more schools to enter and be part of this.”
Poken, the winner in the Platinum Category said: “I am thrilled at winning. Other learners should consider competing next year as it is a great learning experience.”
Govender thanked the science cluster team comprising of academic and administrative staff and BEd students for their support in organising the event.
