AIMS South Africa recently visited Crestway High School, where a day of celebration, inspiration, and scientific exploration highlighted the power of partnerships in strengthening science education in township schools.

The visit began by recognising the school’s recent matric achievements, with congratulations extended to Principal Cheryl Jacobs and her leadership team. Crestway High School continues to demonstrate a strong upward trajectory, underpinned by committed leadership and a culture that places learner success at the centre.

A key highlight of the visit was the presence of Prof Farid Ould-Saada, a visiting guest at AIMS South Africa, who shared his personal journey of becoming a physicist. Through his lived experiences, learners were able to see pathways into science careers that are often perceived as distant or unattainable. His engagement reinforced the importance of representation and storytelling in shaping learners’ academic aspirations.

The visit aligned closely with the vision of Prof Jonathan Jansen, a key figure associated with the school, who advocates for increased learner participation in Physical Science as a gateway to broader opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Adding energy and excitement to the day were interactive science demonstrations led by Umr and Thembi from the Cape Town Science Centre, under the leadership of Steven Sack. Their hands-on experiments transformed abstract scientific concepts into engaging, memorable learning experiences, sparking curiosity and enthusiasm among learners. We look forward to their visit to AIMS next week!

The programme concluded with an inspiring session led by Dr Derek Fish, Director of the University of Zululand Science Centre, who travelled from Richards Bay to share his passion for physics. As a global science activist, Dr Fish encouraged learners to view physics as both accessible and exciting, reinforcing the message that scientific careers are within reach.

Collectively, the visit demonstrated a shared commitment among AIMS South Africa, partner organisations, and education leaders to expanding access to quality science education. Initiatives such as these play a critical role in nurturing learner confidence, broadening subject uptake, and supporting long-term educational transformation.