Learners at Desmond Mpilo Tutu High School in Mbekweni will have greater opportunities to explore science through practical experiments following the official opening of the new laboratory on Thursday (29 October).

The laboratory was handed over to the school as part of a partnership between the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), Advancing Knowledge NPC from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and the Archway Foundation, founded by Garden Cities.

The initiative aims to strengthen science education by giving learners the opportunity to conduct experiments themselves and develop a better understanding of scientific concepts beyond what they learn in the textbooks.

Practical experiments showcased at opening

During the opening the importance of inquiry-based science education was highlighted, with learners encouraged to ask questions, investigate scientific processes and learn through hands-on activities.

Demonstrations included chemical titration, the separation of mixtures and experiments illustrating the concept of density. These practical exercises showed how scientific principles taught in the classroom can be applied and observed.

Teacher training central to initiative

The initiative also places a strong emphasis on supporting teachers, particularly those teaching physical sciences and natural sciences.

Educators receive specialised training to help them use the laboratory equipment effectively and incorporate practical experiments into their lessons. The aim is to build teaching capacity and strengthen learners’ understanding of science from the ground up.

Representatives at the opening stressed that providing equipment alone was not enough. Teachers needed the necessary knowledge and training to guide learners through experiments and help them apply what they had learnt.

Part of wider Western Cape initiative

The three partners each play a specific role in the project. The WCED represents the curriculum component, while Advancing Knowledge provides expertise and support for teacher development. The Archway Foundation is also involved in making the facilities available to schools.

According to Prof. Shaheed Hartley, a representative of Advancing Knowledge NPC, the laboratory is the 136th facility provided to a school in the Western Cape through the initiative.

The programme aims to give learners access to resources and practical learning opportunities that can help level the playing field in science education.

John Matthews, CEO of Garden Cities Archway Foundation, encouraged learners to make full use of the facility, ask questions and recognise the role their educators play in preparing them for further studies.

The new laboratory marks an investment in science education at the Mbekweni school, with the facility expected to benefit both learners and teachers.

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