Cape Town - Pupils from Floreat Primary School in Retreat are now able to explore, discover, create and learn new skills through their new Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) science, technology, robotics, engineering, aeronautics and mathematics (Stream) laboratory.
The classroom, which can accommodate 40 pupils, is kitted out with equipment such as robotics, 3D printers, artificial intelligence (AI) kits and engineering and science kits.
This was made possible by Sakhikamva Foundation with the assistance from Prescient Foundation.
Jahdene November, a Grade 6 pupil, said the Stream laboratory will expand the minds of pupils at Floreat Primary School
“Pupils will gain knowledge through the new Stream laboratory. It will also help us prepare for a robotic future,” she said.
Principal Noel Isaacs said they are grateful for the new learning environment.
“The laboratory will enable us to lay a solid foundation for coding and robotics education and give our children the opportunities to develop programming and other digital skills. We are looking forward to a new era of technology learning adventures,” he said.
Founder of Sakhikamva Foundation Fatima Jakoet said they will be training and supporting educators at Floreat Primary School with Stream philosophy and teaching methodologies in order to guide pupils through the new learning experience.
“When the coding and robotics curriculum is introduced next year by the Department of Basic Education, they will already have the resources, know-how and confidence to seamlessly integrate this in their weekly timetable,” she said.
This was the seventh Stream laboratory in the country and second at a primary school launched by Sakhikamva Foundation.
Jakoet said the roll-out is an ongoing effort to bring pupils into quality technology spaces.
“South African schools need to be fully equipped with technology and connectivity so that pupils are empowered to develop as innovators, change agents and (be) problem-solvers in their communities,” she said.