Revision programme supports STEM vision

Various departments in the Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences have been working in unison to assist schools with a Life Sciences revision programme and plan to continue the good work this year.

The collaborating departments are Emergency Medical Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Somatology, Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences, Ophthalmic Sciences and Dental Technology, and the Centre for Community Engagement and Work Integrated Learning, Service Learning division.

Dr Kareemah Najaar, senior lecturer in the Department of Emergency Medical Sciences, said the pandemic has further disadvantaged many underprivileged matric Life Sciences learners because they cannot access Wi-Fi or smartphones. Thus online remote learning was not an option for them.

She said the development of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) remains a focus area for the country's economic growth.

To support the STEM vision and provide socio-economically disadvantaged students with an opportunity to qualify and apply for science programmes at the tertiary level, Najaar sought to expand inter-departmental collaboration within the faculty.

She said Dr Wendy Solomon (Biomedical Sciences) and Michael Paulse (Somatology) had been integral to this project since 2019.

“We realised that for this community engagement to be more effective within the current climate, inviting our sister departments to join could only amplify and accelerate the vision.”

In August last year, Wynberg High School hosted the Grade 12 learners of Lavender Hill High School.”

Four major topics, selected by the teachers, Nabeelah Israel (Wynberg) and Monia Lewis (Lavender Hill) were revised. A maximum of 15 learners were placed with three tutors.

“121 learners attended the session with an astonishing number of faculty lecturers, postgraduates, and undergraduates available as tutors and facilitators. The tutors diligently provided a safe environment for the students, and consequently, the system's efficiency was remarkable to observe.”

The collaborating departments created an environment where the participating matric learners could still physically attend a Life Science Revision programme while conforming to COVID-19 protocols.

“The Covid-19 ‘friendly’ classroom was designed into a classical horseshoe shape, with desks spaced adequately apart. Thus, The students could engage with the tutors who positioned themselves within the centre of the horseshoe while maintaining a safe social distance.”

Before entering the classroom, a register was taken, all participants’ temperatures were recorded, and their hands were sanitised. In addition, all desks were sanitised before each session and after, and the classrooms remained well-ventilated. It was compulsory to wear a facial mask covering the mouth and nose.

 “This model proves that it is possible to conduct revision programmes for those who do not have access to basic technology such as Wi-Fi and smart devices under COVID-19 conditions. We are excited to run our revision programmes with the 2022 matric students. We are most certainly prepared for the challenges that may have previously limited us, in the past,” said Najaar.

Written by Ilse Fredericks

Email: Frederickskennediji@cput.ac.za