Lab launched to boost tech learning at Floreat

Fatima Jakoet from Sakhikamva Foundation with principal Noel Isaacs and pupils.

Floreat Primary School in Steenberg has become one of two schools in the country to be gifted with a state-of-the-art laboratory to boost coding and robotics education.

The new lab, which was launched on Tuesday August 2, is a step towards introducing Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technology into the school’s curriculum which will start being implemented next year.

Bliqees de Beer, Kendra Weber and Nikita Crouch in the new STREAM lab.

The fully-equipped classroom can accommodate 40 pupils and is part of the Sakhikamva Foundation’s roll-out of specialised tech laboratories at under-resourced communities that promote Science, Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Aeronautics and Mathematics learning (STREAM) and includes technologically advanced equipment including robotics and 3D printers, Artificial Intelligence, engineering and science kits to ignite innovation and inspire critical thinking, design thinking and problem-solving capabilities as well as a library. Teachers will also be trained to accommodate the new learning criteria.

Teachers Krish Rossouw, Candice Solomon, Michelle du Plessis, Charmaine Castle, Zaida Johnson, Adriaan van der Merwe and Shireen Solomons enjoyed the launch.

Sakhikamva in partnership with the school’s long-standing supporter, the Prescient Foundation, worked together to make it possible for the school.

Grade 7’s Cadey Williams and Leah van der Merwe are disappointed that they are leaving the school but are happy for they younger peers.

Fatima Jakoet, who is the founder of Sakhikamva Foundation, said pupils will be well equipped for next year when the coding and robotics curriculum is introduced by the Department of Basic Education.

“They will already have the resources, know-how and confidence to seamlessly integrate this in their weekly timetable.”

Pupils Jolene November, Cleo Swarts, Ikeraam van Wyk and Jean-Pierre van der Merwe with some of the technology.

Principal Noel Isaacs was overjoyed at the launch and said the school is blessed to have 21st-century technology at their disposal and is excited to start learning.

Melikaih Sampson and Nokutenda Chipere with some of the interactive toys and 3D printing items.
Nokutenda Chipere, Cleo Swarts, Michelle Magazo and Ikeraam van Wyk got to play with some robotics equipment.