ISUZU Mathematics and STEAM project takes off strongly in 2024
Sithole Lolwethu from Kwazakhele High School raised his Mathematics score by 24%, from 40% to 64%, by the end of 2024, becoming one of the success stories of the Mathematics Incubation and Techno-Blended STEAM Support Programme (MITS).
This three-year initiative, launched in 2024 by the GMMDC in partnership with ISUZU and Mandela University, was implemented in three under-resourced schools in Nelson Mandela Bay, namely Kwazakhele, Sophakama, and Newell high schools.
The MITS programme aimed to advance quality STEAM education and foster a culture of science and innovation. Key components included:
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Tablet-Assisted Mathematics Incubation (TAPS) for 45 Grade 12 learners.
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Mathematics teacher development to enhance teaching methods.
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STEAM skills development, including workshops that encouraged critical thinking and problem-solving, with activities linking Mathematics to Art.
Tablet-assisted TAPS Mathematics Support Programme; STEAM Workshop Activity and MITS Project Learner Feedback from Isuzu Schools
Digital resources were distributed to teachers to improve classroom teaching, while learners had access to facilitated support sessions and offline self-learning tools, ensuring inclusivity despite internet limitations.
The programme yielded impressive results, including a 15% increase in Sophakama High School's pass rate and 18% of learners improving their Mathematics marks by over 10%.
Feedback from both teachers and learners was overwhelmingly positive, with teachers valuing the targeted training and resources, and learners appreciating the innovative tools that enhanced their engagement with Mathematics and Physical Science, GMMDC Director Professor Werner Olivier said.
The MITS programme significantly contributed to transforming STEAM education in underserved communities and creating pathways for learners to pursue post-school STEM study programmes.
AIDC EC STEM skills development project success in 2024
The GMMDC-AIDC EC STEM Skills Development Project, which concluded in November 2024, also successfully fostered critical STEM skills in learners at two under-resourced schools in Nelson Mandela Bay and one in East London.
The project, centred on the Integrated Technology-assisted Support Project (ITSP), used innovative, tech-enhanced models to equip both educators and learners with essential future workplace skills.
Accredited professional development for educators, GammaTutor Resource Centre and STEAM workshop activity
Key initiatives included:
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Tablet-assisted TAPS Mathematics programme: Grade 11 and 12 learners in Mathematics improved significantly, with one learner increasing his score from 42% to 74%. Over nine months, 60 learners participated in 20 after-school sessions, with a 95% participation rate and many improving by more than 10%.
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Accredited professional development for educators: A programme for Mathematics teachers, led by the GMMDC’s Dr Carine Steyn, enhanced teaching methods through integrating technology, pedagogy, and content knowledge.
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GammaTutor Mathematics and Science Centres: These resource centres supported offline mobile learning, providing learners with interactive resources for mathematics.
Additionally, after-school STEAM workshops promoted creative problem-solving and awareness of STEM careers, highlighting the skills needed for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
Paterson High School Principal Rose de Doncker praised the project, and Prof Olivier emphasised the project's potential for growth.
Moving forward, the ITSP aims to expand its reach, refine resources, and continue to inspire both learners and educators across the Eastern Cape.
The 2024 Flip Potgieter Mathematics Project
Nqweba High School in Graaff-Reinet saw a significant improvement in its Mathematics average, rising from 38% in 2023 to 69% in 2024, thanks to support from the GMMDC.
This success was driven by the Flip Potgieter Project, named in honour of this Mathematics education advocate, and focused on two key areas:
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Mathematics learner incubation and school support
Five Grade 12 learners at Nqweba High School received tablets, GMMDC digital resources, and participated in a nine-month Technology Assisted After School Programme Support (TAPS).
The TAPS programme, facilitated by a trained Mathematics teacher, integrated the GMMDC’s innovative techno-blended model to enhance learning. One learner, for example, improved his Mathematics mark from 43% to 69%.
The project resulted in a 10% average improvement in the final Mathematics marks of project participants in 2024.
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Prizes for top-performing undergraduate Mathematics students
Sally Potgieter (far right), the widow of the late Flip Potgieter, joined by (from left), Prof Werner Olivier, Buyiswa Yaya (Strategic Resource Mobilisation and Advancement), Hasita Rama, Dr Jacob Maritz (Mathematics Department), Liam Terblanche, Dr Marguerite Walton (Mathematics Department) and Troy Palframan.
The success of the 2024 Flip Potgieter Mathematics Project was recently celebrated at Mandela University's Bird Street Campus, jointly organised by the GMMDC and the Mathematics Department.
The R5 000 awards for Outstanding Mathematics Achievement were presented to first-year student Liam Terblanche (87% average), second year Troy Palframan (96% average), and third year Hasita Rama (80% average), the top-achieving Mathematics students at Mandela University in their study years.
Dr Jacob Maritz, Director of Strategy in the Faculty of Science, highlighted the importance of high-quality Mathematics graduates in addressing STEM skills shortages and driving economic growth.
GMMDC Director Professor Werner Olivier noted that the project’s success reinforces the University’s commitment to empowering students and developing the next generation of STEM leaders through strategic initiatives and partnerships.