If there was a champion of champions in this year’s tenth annual Growsmart primary schools’ competition in the Western Cape, then it must surely by Factreton Primary School, which clinched not only top spot in the literacy category, but also came third in the story writing competition.
No other school achieved placement in more than one category – and a record 170 were competing this year. Balvenie Primary, however, placed third in literacy while also garnering an honourable mention in story writing for being most creative.
St Raphael’s Primary School triumphed overall in the fiery debating category; Floreat Primary School clinched Mathematics; and Montague Primary took home the story writing trophy, in which individual learners both pen and illustrate their own book.
For the winning school in the literacy category, this means a spectacular R350 000 iPad Lab, as well as R20,000 for each of the children in the winning team, to go towards their further education. Second and third place also win substantial improvement prizes for their school, and education funds for the children. And for the winning schools in all other categories [please provide prize details].
The keenly-contested Growsmart competition, an initiative of Growthpoint Properties in collaboration with the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), began in 2009 in an effort to boost literacy, numeracy and science [B1] performance in primary schools in the province.
Twenty-first century skills such as communication, critical thinking, creativity and collaboration are essential for every learner, says Dr Peter Beets, Deputy Director-General of Curriculum and Assessment Management at WCED. They each have a very unique and powerful aspect and will better prepare students for tomorrow’s jobs. Being proficient in reading, writing and math skills will not be sufficient skills for the future. The importance of developing all these skills is something that Growthpoint Properties fully understands and we are very appreciative of the investment Growthpoint has provided.
He adds: Corporate investment in education is vital and I would sincerely like to thank Growthpoint not only for realising the importance of education in creating a better South Africa, but for actively promoting reading, writing and calculating, and the 4 C skills in our primary schools. They have invested a lot – not only money-wise, but also time-wise.
Growthpoint Properties’ regional general manager Jewel Harris comments: Despite their circumstances, where they may come from, and what they may deal with on a daily basis, these children have learned that they too can shine. That is what Growsmart is about: giving children an opportunity to thrive, to go above and beyond, and to reach their dreams. She further encourages all this year’s contestants to shine like the super stars that you are.
COMPLETE WINNERS’ TABLE:[B2]
Debating:
Winner: St Raphael’s Primary School – Libhongo Nogqala, Rosie Tshinguta, Sinovuyo Qongo.
Literacy:
Winner: Factreton Primary School – Juliet Nduwayo, Sheldon Gladden, Inako Tu.
2nd: Blue Downs Primary School – Camagwini Njoli, Campbell Dirks, Dylan Afrika.
3rd: Balvenie Primary School – Aisha Williams, Liam Libbie, Devaun Van Niekerek.
Mathematics:
Winner: Floreat Primary School – Andre Cerf, Keyon Johnson, Diego Vorster.
2nd: Newfields Primary School – Zavier Petersen, Yusuf Hartley, Uthmaan Moos.
3rd: West End Primary School – Adhraa Richards, Darryl Afrika, Tamika Sam.
Story Writing
Winner: Montague Primary School – Cade Arendse.
2nd: Regina Coeli Primary School – Jayden J Willemse.
3rd: Factreton Primary School – Moegamat N Daniels.
Most creative: Balvenie Primary School – Keisha Geduld.
/ends
Growsmart:
www.growsmart.org.za
www.facebook.com/Growsmart
www.instagram.com/Growsmart
www.youtube.com/GrowsmartCSI
Growthpoint Properties:
www.linkedin.com/company/growthpoint-properties-ltd
www.youtube.com/GrowthpointBroadcast
Released by:
Growthpoint Properties Limited
Nadine Kuzmanich
Head, Marketing and Communication
Tel: 011 944 6251
For more information, or to book an interview, please contact Mahlatse Bojanyane on 083 453 6668 or email [email protected].
[B1]What happened to science this year?
[B2]Mentor’s names?