Primarily Teaching Science New Voices in Science Presentation I am Zorina Dharsey, and I am a science teacher. When I finished at university with a major in Life Orientation Education, I desperately needed a teaching post. So grateful when a principal called and offered me a post teaching science. I figured that can’t be too difficult, and promptly accepted. by ZORINA DHARSEY Education Faculty, Department Curriculum Studies

Challenges galore There were many challenges for a young teacher. Most of my training had not fully prepared me for the teaching conditions I encountered at the school. There were mostly large classes, there are children everywhere, you only saw wall-to-wall faces. With many language needs in one class such as English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa, Portuguese and French. It was a struggle because I only had one language which is English. Many of the learners could not read and write at their grade level. With my own knowledge of science being inadequate and no science equipment, I had to rely on my own primary school experience. I reached for the old dusty science textbook I was lucky to find and wrote notes on the board.

PRIMARY SCIENCE PROGRAMME (PSP) Where to get HELP! PRIMARY SCIENCE PROGRAMME (PSP) I did not get any help from the Principal or Head of Department. The Curriculum Advisor was no help either. When she visited the school all she said, “I see your files are in portrait, they must in landscape.” A colleague, Mrs Mdutyana saw my desperation. She said,” I know, you need the PSP.” I thought, “ Yeah PCP to make me feel better! I thought the other teachers appeared a bit zoned out.” She said, “ No man, the Primary Science Programme can help you teach science.”

Supporting Science Teaching Workshops Classroom support Resources I improved my knowledge through their workshops. Improved my teaching with their support in my class and the resources they provided. I feel my science teaching has improved, but I know I still have a lot to learn, for my children’s sake!

Drawing Writing Observing Measuring Recording Calculating My science teaching is very different now. One of the things I learnt from the PSP is that good science teaching involves children doing practical, hands-on, interesting and fun investigations so that they are excited about learning, and learn well. Calculating