FLOREAT Primary School pupils in Retreat will now be able to learn about coding and robotics in their new laboratory.
The school became the 7th in South Africa to have the 4IR STREAM (Science, Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Aeronautics, and Mathematics) laboratory which was launched by Sakhikamva Foundation on Tuesday.
The fully-equipped 40-person tech classroom will enable pupils to develop essential skills in artificial intelligence, design thinking, robotics, coding, aviation and space science.
The launch at the school became a reality through a collaboration between Sakhikamva Foundation and the school's long-standing supporter, the Prescient Foundation.
Principal Noel Isaacs said: "As a school of more than 900 learners and 25 educators, the laboratory will enable us to lay a solid foundation for coding and robotics education. On a day-to-day basis, our new tech lab will promote hands-on learning and teamwork, and the entire school is looking forward to a new era of tech learning adventures. We are so grateful for this wonderful new learning environment."
Earlier this year the Department of Education announced that "Coding and Robotics" are amongst the subjects that will be officially added to the curriculum in 2023.
Prescient's chief executive Nicole Pinto said establishing the laboratory at Floreat Primary was coming full circle in their efforts to support sustainable development and community upliftment.
"Through our partnership with the Sakhikamva Foundation, we have the opportunity to contribute towards the development of 21st century skills at the school, skills that we believe are fundamental in creating and shaping our future leaders," said Pinto.
The internet-connected classroom also features advanced equipment used in robotics, 3-D printers, drones as well as engineering and science kits.
The science kits are hoped to ignite innovation, inspire critical thinking and Mathematics problem-solving capabilities.
Sakhikamva Foundation founder Fatima Jakoet said they will be training and supporting the school teachers about STREAM philosophy and teaching methodologies.
