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Astron Energy

Project Objectives

To improve the quality of teaching and learning of Science, Mathematics and English as the LOLT in selected schools, by:

Developing educators’ conceptual knowledge, teaching skills and instructional practices in Mathematics and Science;
Increasing the utilization of Science apparatus and practical experiments;
Coaching educators on specific topics in Science and Mathematics including integration of information and communication technology (ICT);

Developing English language, mathematics, science and ICT skills among learners;

Motivating learners through career guidance, life skills and after school clubs in mathematics and coding in the selected schools; Underpinning these outcomes, the project aims to improve the presence of Astron Energy South Africa including associated brands in its fence line communities.

In designing an appropriate set of interventions, CASME has reviewed recent and relevant research, policy, and the experiences, achievements and opportunities emerging from the ongoing implementation of the project in the Umlazi District.

The Astron Energy South Africa Education Development Project is structured around a cohort of teachers from 8 secondary schools and 8 feeder primary schools within the Umlazi District.

The project incorporates the following key interventions areas:

Caltex Science2Go Mobile science resource centre
Teacher Professional Development
Learner tuition in Mathematics and Science for Grades 12
Establishment of after-school coding and mathematics clubs

The overall goal of the Astron Energy South Africa Education Development Project is to support improvements in teaching and learning in Mathematics, Science and English as the Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT), focusing on areas in the fence line communities of Astron Energy’s Lubricants Manufacturing Plant (LMP) in the South Durban Basin.

Project goals

The Lubricants and Manufacturing Plant (LMP) of Astron Energy South Africa, which is based on the South Basin of Durban, seeks to build a direct relationship with the communities of the Bluff, Wentworth, Merebank, Isipingo, Montclair, Glenwood, Umlazi, Lamontville and Chesterville. It is critical for Astron Energy to invest in the communities from which it draws its workforce to complement massive investments in resources and other areas of the economy. The Astron Energy–CASME project is aimed at addressing numerous educational challenges/issues in these communities

Inspiration the project brought to the beneficiaries

Astron Energy project has been of great aspect with all of the element it incorporates. The is nothing as great as the ability to change or elevate the teaching and learning in schools especially if it is disadvantaged school, because they get to explore imaginable aspect they learn theoretically. The ability to bring teacher together in sharing different methods and techniques to tackle different concept of the curriculum gives that greater range in the delivering of knowledge to the learners. It is one of the greatest aspects to be able to engage in the governmental introduction/piloting of the coding and robotics aspect as of the government hasn’t issued gadget nor allocated time in school schedules. The further education training is one of the phases that brings frustrations in school, having school in agreement with CASME to tap in is remarkable. Moreover, the impact that comes with visiting schools for the practical session is of great impact, seeing learner grow the love for science removing the greater fear of the unknown. Overall the project has been well received by the stakeholders.