The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) recently conducted the Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST) Conditional Grant (CG) Grade 10 – 12 Learner Development Camps in partnership with Sci-Bono. Department of Basic Education (DBE) officials visited camps at Hoër Volkskool Heidelberg, accommodating Grade 11 girls learners and Sedaven High School, accommodating Grade 12 girls learners. A total of 324 girls from the 162 MST CG schools were supported from 4 – 11 July 2026.

The purpose of the camps is to improve the performance of learners, especially the quality of passes, to address the Annual Performance Plan (APP) target of learners passing Physical Sciences and Mathematics with 60% and above. It is with this background that the GDE organised the Camps with the assistance of MST CG funding to assist with the achievement of the set target. Along with concerns about girl’s learner participation rate in MST subjects, the GDE conducted the learner development camps to develop a passion for MST subjects.

During the visit, it was discovered that the province used the National Diagnostic Report findings to address the challenges identified and developed the materials to be used during the Camp to mediate these challenges, that had been especially persistent over the past years. Experienced tutors assisted learners with the approach to respond to the complexity of higher order questions that have become common in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. Learners were equipped with techniques and skills in answering questions that will enable them to score better marks.

Both camps began with pre-tests to assess the learners’ understanding of the topics in all the subjects offered and ended with post-tests to gauge the understanding and impact of the camps. Results were analysed and used to address the areas of poor performance. The camps focussed on technical subjects, which are mostly ignored in enrichment classes to increase learner performance for quality results to pursue careers in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Learners were supported with transportation, accommodation, and refreshments. Camps were monitored by different subject advisors with camps running from 08:00 in the morning until 22:00 in the evening.

Herman Hankel, German Mathematician known for his pioneering work in complex number systems and the theory of functions said: “In most sciences one generation tears down what another has built, and what one has established, another undoes. In Mathematics alone each generation adds a new story to the old structure”. STEM careers therefore remain an important concept for using skills to comprehend and construct the modern world.