Maths, science revision takes to the cinema

Maths and science are key to solving the problems affecting society’s most disadvantaged, Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng said at the recent launch of eduCate, a novel matric maths and science revision programme that uses Ster-Kinekor cinemas as educational Theatres of Learning.

This is the eighth consecutive year that eduCate has been helping matrics from under-resourced schools revise for their final maths and science exams. The nationwide initiative is a private/public partnership under the helm of Primestars Marketing, a company that specialises in facilitating youth development programmes.

Quoted in an Eyewitness News report, Phakeng said maths was the foundation for positive change.

“Maths and science are key to dealing with the problems that affect the most disadvantaged in our world.”

The eduCate programme would help students “beyond the textbook”.

“Getting students from the townships to maths tutoring is important because not only do they get to hear different ways of explaining, but they get to interact with their peers from different schools ... ”

The 10 pre-recorded revision sessions, five in maths and five in science, cover the entire matric curriculum.

The programme is broadcast simultaneously to a network of 14 digitised Ster-Kinekor cinema complexes. Township-based schools are selected in partnership with the Department of Basic Education. Students are transported to these centres for 10 consecutive Sunday mornings.

“The Theatre of Learning concept engages, entertains and educates them by making expert teachers and revision accessible to those who attend the programme,” said Martin Sweet, managing director of Primestars.

“In addition, they will receive booklets that contain valuable maths and science notes as well as refreshments to complete the cinema experience.”

He added that Primestars reached over 90 000 historically disadvantaged secondary school learners nationally this year on a variety of education projects that include career guidance, financial literacy and leadership and entrepreneurship programmes.