Supporting Physics Education under COVID19 Constraints

Essential Skills for Matric Physical Science 26 September 2020

Eastern Cape Teacher Training 28 September to 2 October 2020

South Africa faces a fundamental and systemic challenge of poor maths and science education, leading to low physical science pass rates at school. This year this challenge could be exacerbated by short school calendar that was severely affected by COVID19 lockdown.  We are glad to inform the country that the South African Institute of Physics (SAIP) has come up with innovative ways to support both the physical science teachers and matric learners salvage the situation.

The South African Institute of Physics, SAIP’s primary goal is to improve physics education and research, develop and nurture an inclusive next generation of physicists South Africa. We aim to empower and unlock physics potential to contribute in addressing socio-economic challenges and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for South Africa. In line with these aims, the SAIP in collaboration with physics community and support from the Philanthropy Initiative with Employees of Allan Gray will be doing the following;

Eastern Cape Physical Science Teachers Workshop 28 September to 02 October 2020

We usually run teacher development and matric workshops using face to face interactive events.  However, with the restrictions and safety measures under COVID, SAIP is implementing online teacher support programmes events. From 28 September to 02 October 2020 we will be running an online workshop for physical science educators from the Eastern Cape province.

Essential Skills for Matric Physics Paper 1 Exam Preparation

We also realised that there is a shortage of access to data and connectivity for some teachers, learners, and remote schools. We are therefore supporting interested schools through the Essential Skills for Matric Physical Science Materials.

1.      We have distributed over 20 000 printed booklets  for learners and teachers on Essential Skills for Matric Physical Science to Eastern Cape, Limpopo, KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng.

2.      Distribution of USB memory sticks for teachers with PDF materials and lecturer videos on various physics topics to support the booklet

3.      Teachers can play videos and go through the booklets with learners, the advantage of this method is that they can pause or replay at any time

To access these materials, register here: http://saip.org.za/Matric%20Material/   

Essential Skills for Matric Workshop 26 September 2020 (Moipone Science Centre Workshop)

SAIP will run an online essential skill for matric workshop open to teachers and learners the workshop will run from 9 am to 1pm interested participants can register here then receive a joining link: https://ee.humanitarianresponse.info/x/c1zbZI6h

To receive more information free support and mentoring from physics experts, please contact the SAIP office.

Press Contacts

1.      Mr Brian Masara – CEO SAIP: Cell: 073 73 72562

2.      Dr Eric Maluta – SAIP Council Member on Education  SAIP: Cell: 061 246 0670

3.      Dr Sam Ramaila – Chairperson SAIP Physics Education Division: Cell: 064 656 6387

4.      Prof Azwinndini Muronga- SAIP Ambassador for Physics Education & Teacher Development: Cell: 082 458 4535

5.     SAIP Office: Phone 012 841 2655/2401/2627 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.