Learners from two grades at Zamilizwe Primary School in Mbizana lifted the flag of their school high, as they became provincial and national champions by winning the Science Astro Quiz competition hosted by the Department of Education in East London, recently.
Grade 6 learners from this school obtained first place, followed by New Generation Primary School in East London, and Morden Primary School in Mthatha obtained third spot.
Meanwhile, Grade 7 learners from Zamilizwe Primary School also obtained first place at national level, Lukau Primary School from Limpopo achieved second place and Sizakele Primary School from Mpumalanga obtained third.
The Deputy Principal of this school, Nokubonga Cele, confirmed that Grade 6 learners became provincial champions, as they competed until they went to provincial level in East London.
Meanwhile, Grade 7 learners became national champions in the same competition that was held online.
“This competition was done by learners from Grade 7 only, before, but the department decided to include Grade 6 in 2017. Our school took a decision to give our learners the chance to participate, because there is a lot that is benefited when it comes to knowledge in this competition,” said Cele.
She added that what they like about it is that it gives learners a chance to gain more knowledge, because it focuses on what is done in the higher grades.
According to Cele, in Natural Science there is a topic that is talking about Earth and Beyond, so they benefit a lot.
“The competition was opened in May for round one, then round two was held at the district level, followed by round three which was held at the Provincial Level.
“Our learners managed to reach all these stages, but the last one for Grade 6 was the provincial level in East London. It is where they obtained position one and became Provincial Champions. Grade 7 learners also obtained the same position; they became the National Champions. Their last stage was held online, and the invigilator was sent to our school to monitor them.”
Cele added that she was still shocked because they did not know that these learners would win this competition.
According to her, they were very dedicated and knew what they wanted.
She confirmed that Grade 7s were competing with learners from nine provinces.
“I am very proud of them, and I do not know what I will do to say thanks to them. I can encourage other teachers to give learners a chance so that they can be exposed to other things. If they enter these competitions, they get a chance of seeing other areas, let alone sleeping in a hotel. It is a big thing to them.”
Grade 7 learner, Olwakhe Mlindazwe (13), said that she was very happy because they did not know that they would win this competition.
“I can encourage other learners to believe in themselves and to make sure that they fight for what they want. I do not believe that we are now National Champions,” said Mlindazwe.
Another Grade 7 learner, Liso Maphini (12), said that she was very happy, and they wanted to ensure that their school won this competition.
“We are proud of our school, and by participating I learned a lot in this Astro Quiz. If I can be given another chance to enter again, I will not hesitate because I am enjoying it so much,” concluded Maphini.
