The “Essential Skills for Matric” series, which was introduced last year, has been upgraded, updated and improved for 2021. With 50 % MORE content and with 2020 exams added, it is perfectly placed to assist teachers and pupils in sharpening those Essential Skills to ace the matric exam. 16 hours of Physics Videos are available for download – and it is all FREE – just register to join online at http://saip.org.za/Matric%20Material The accompanying booklets are available for download in pdf form, linked to each video. Videos feature dynamic presentations by Dr Derek Fish, an expert in the field, covering theory, exam questions and answers, simulations and inspiring interviews – we promise you won’t be bored! Keep up to date by LIKING and FOLLOWING the project Facebook page: https://web.facebook.com/essentialskillsmatric

The SAIP has printed 20000 booklets and produced 1000 USBS currently being distributed to schools in Gauteng, Limpopo, KwaZulu Natal and the Eastern Cape provinces.

Project background:
South Africa faces a fundamental and systematic challenge of poor mathematics and science education, leading to low physical science pass rates at school. Since 2020 the challenge has been exacerbated by the condensed school calendar, which has been severely affected by the COVID-19 lockdown. We are glad to inform the country that the South African Institute of Physics (SAIP), in collaboration with the Unizulu Science Centre and support from the Philanthropy Initiative with Employees of Allan Gray, has made available the Physics (Paper 1) Essential Skills for Matric resources.

The SAIP’s primary goal is to improve physics education and research, develop and nurture the next generation of physicists in South Africa. Studying physics imparts transferable quantitative reasoning, critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are valuable in areas such as medicine, engineering, ICT, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence(AI), astronomy, financial analysis and investment management, among others. The physics of today is the technology of tomorrow. If more learners pass and perform well in physics at high school, South Africa will have more science, engineering, and technology human capital skills required for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and Strategic Infrastructure Projects (SIPs). The SAIP aims to unlock physics potential to address socio-economic challenges with a view to realising Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for South Africa.

Online Teacher Development Workshops
The SAIP traditionally supports school physics education through the face-to-face physical science teacher development programme. Because of safety measures under COVID-19 lockdown, SAIP has moved its Teacher Development Training Workshops to online training events. SAIP Physics Teacher Development is accredited by the South African Council of Educators (SACE), the statutory professional body for educators in South Africa. Hence teachers will now accumulate Continuous Professional Development Points (CPD) whenever they attend the SAIP Teacher Development workshops. The Essential Skills for Matric resources were introduced to complement the teacher development programme.

Essential Skills for Matric: Physical Science Paper 1 Examination Preparation
Given the COVID19 constraints and the move to online learning, SAIP recognises that access to data and connectivity for some teachers, learners, and remote schools remains a logistical challenge. Hence, since 2020, the SAIP, in collaboration with the Unizulu Science Centre are supporting schools through the following initiatives:

1. Distribution of printed booklets for learners and teachers on Essential Skills for the Grade 12 Physical SciencePaper 1;
2. Distribution of USB memory sticks for teachers with portable document format (PDF) materials and lecturer videos on various physics        topics to augment the booklets;
3. Teachers can play videos and review the booklets with learners. The advantage of this method is that teachers can pause or replay at        any time;
4. Provision of support to those who have access to data via online training by working through the distributed materials and discussing        examination concepts.

If you would like to receive these materials and get further free support and mentoring from physics experts, don’t hesitate to contact the SAIP office.

Press Contacts
1. Mr Brian Masara – CEO SAIP: Cell: 073 73 72562
2. Dr Eric Maluta – SAIP Council Member on Physics Education: Cell: 061 246 0670
3. Dr Sam Ramaila – Chairperson: SAIP Physics Education Division: Cell: 064 656 6387
4. Dr Derek Fish – Director Unizulu Science Centre : Cell: 082 452 8566
5. SAIP Office: Phone 012 841 2655/2401/2627 Email: info@saip.org.za