Activ Science
The student-run ACTIV Science programme has been running since 1998 and has a
significant impact on pupils taking mathematics and science in local schools. It is run by
students, with staff involvement in governance issues to ensure continuity, and for support in
obtaining funding and financial management, as well as tutor selection which also involves
senior students. The organisation consists of black science and engineering students who, for
a small remuneration, travel to disadvantaged schools two afternoons per week to provide
learners with extra maths and science lessons.
This programme has helped up to 100 learners in each of the following schools: Thandokulu
(Mowbray), Chris Hani (Khayalitsha), Desmond Tutu (Paarl), Masibambisane (Delft), Uxolo
(Khayelitsha) and Manzomthombo (Blackheath), Langa High, Vuyuseka (Philipi). In 2007 the
project was contracted by MSEP (Maths & Science Education Project) to organise practical
sessions at UCT on Saturdays for high school learners and to provide MSEP with mentors for
high school tutoring on weekdays.
The practicals commenced in the second semester, conducted by laboratory demonstrators
who are senior science and engineering students (Hons to PhD level), and lab mentors who
are undergraduate students, as well as a few 4th year students.
The project is very organised into governance, logistics and academic input. There are annual
tutor training workshops held by volunteer academic staff from the Science faculty volunteer
every year, and teachers workshop are held at each school with tutors to consider syllabus,
interactions, timing, special needs and logistics planning. General tutor meetings are held
every month to discuss issues and problems and through these tutors assist each other to
grow and to resolve any obstacles.
Transport and attendance are organised to ensure that 70 tutors each make at least two trips
to 8 schools weekly. Rosters are managed to ensure that tutors rotate and all lessons are
attended. An additional class that incorporates the classes held during the week is held at
UCT campus on Saturday mornings as well as a summer school for final matric preparations.
Each tutor submits weekly attendance and class feedback reports that are consolidated and
published monthly by the staff.
In terms of governance, tutors elect an executive committee that is responsible for overal
management. A board of Trustees is established and reviewed on an Annual basis. Policies
are in place for tutoring as well the functioning of the executive committee.
Science and Engineering Exhibition Day (SEED) brings together about 400 learners and 35
teachers of different schools and invited guests, and provides a platform for interaction.
During the day, learners are given a chance to present their projects, which are divided into
two categories i.e. oral presentations and display of models and projects. Judges evaluate
and fairly assess the quality of each project and present incentives to the best projects and
give out certificates to participants.