Primary school learners in Retreat will get a head-start learning about coding and robotics, ahead of the full school curriculum inclusion of these subjects from 2023.
This after the Sakhikamva Foundation, with the help of the Prescient Foundation, launched a STREAM laboratory at Floreat Primary school.
STREAM represents Science, Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Aeronautics and Mathematics.
Learners will get hands-on experience with technologically advanced equipment including robotics and 3-D printers.
There are Artificial Intelligence, engineering and science kits to ignite innovation and inspire critical thinking, design thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
It’s the 7th STREAM LAB in South Africa and is fully-equipped 4iR classroom that can accommodate 40 learners.
The founder of the Sakhikamva Foundation Fatima Jakoet says they will be training and supporting Floreat Primary educators in STREAM philosophy and teaching methodologies so that they can guide their learners through the exciting 21st Century learning experiences made possible by their new facility.
The roll-out of STREAM laboratories is an ongoing effort to bring learners into quality tech spaces to explore, discover, create and learn new skills essential in 21st Century life. It’s going to take more than just a curriculum. South African schools need to be fully equipped with tech and connectivity so that learners are empowered to develop as innovators, change agents and problem-solvers in their communities.
Floreat Primary Principal, Noel Isaacs is elated at the new addition:
As a school of more than 900 learners and 25 educators, we are so grateful for this wonderful new learning environment. The laboratory will enable us to lay a solid foundation for Coding & Robotics education and give our children the opportunities to develop programming and other digital skills. On a day-to-day basis, our new tech lab will promote hands-on learning and teamwork, and the entire school is looking forward to a new era of tech learning adventures.
Nicole Pinto, Chief Executive Officer at the Prescient Foundation says they’ve supported a variety of Sakhikamva Foundation’s coding and robotics education initiatives for more than five years, and have an excellent relationship with Floreat Primary School which has been an engaging participant in their leadership programme since 2015.
Establishing the STREAM laboratory at Floreat Primary now is coming full circle in our efforts to support sustainable development and community upliftment. Through our partnership with the Sakhikamva Foundation, we have the opportunity to contribute towards the development of 21st century skills at Floreat Primary School – skills that we believe are fundamental in creating and shaping our future leaders.
