2003 Media release

South Africa's four top science learners, winners of South Africa's National Science Olympiad, jet off to London on 22 July 2003 to attend the London International Youth Science Forum.

Jennifer Housechild and Nicolai Mures, both from the Deutsche Schule in Cape Town, Gordon Grant-Stuart from Hilton College in KwaZulu-Natal and Virlene Goliath from Southview Secondary School in Johannesburg are the overall winners of this year's National Science Olympiad. These four learners have surfaced as South Africa's young, energetic, science-abled learners.

"The National Science Olympiad offers learners in grade 10 - 12 an exciting opportunity to compete in the science arena with fellow learners from around the country. Each participant benefits from the opportunity, while the top performers walk away with exciting prizes, " says South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement project co-ordinator, Elize van Staden.

"For the first time this year, the British Council has also funded one learner's visit to London, a move that is highly appreciated," she said.

The National Science Olympiad is organised by the Agency in the interest of stimulating interest and competitive participation in science and creating special opportunities for learners who perform well.

Science week for top performers

About 100 learners, including six from Australia, who excelled or demonstrated potential in the National Science Olympiad were invited to participate in a week-long science event in Pretoria, filled with lectures, excursions and other fun events.

Participation in the National Science Olympiad promotes interest in science and may open the door to an exciting future in science. Schools are invited to contact the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement regarding the next National Science Olympiad.

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