Most
recent CASTME activities:
CASTME in South Africa
CASTME-CTG-CPUT Conference
14-15 December 2006
Though the timing of this conference was
most inconvenient (schools summer holidays and imminent closure of
the university premises for a 1 month break) more than 100 delegates
and presenters attended over the two days which was most encouraging.
Six girls from Saldahna Bay (about 2 hour
drive NW of CT) came down on the Thursday to display and explain their
project. This they did with alacrity. A Grade 9 (15/6 year old) boy
had his regional award-winning EXPO project on display and also participated
in some of the sessions. These young people who gave up two days of
their summer holiday to share their work so enthusiastically with
science, maths and technology educators are to be commended.
Some people said that they were not able
to detect the thread of the theme based on the titles of the presentations
alone, a strong emphasis on making STM socially relevant, as well
as fun for the learners, was evident when listening to all the talks.
The caterers outdid themselves providing
us with a range of freshly prepared snacks, even a sit-down meal.
The Hungarian Trio playing classical music enabled delegates to network
throughout the reception. CASTME extends their thanks to these teams.
The conference organisers would like to
thank the British Council, Shuttleworth Foundation, University of
Cambridge International Examinations, University of Cape Town, University
of Western Cape, University of York and the Western Cape Education
Department for all forms of support in this first collaborative project
between CASTME (Commonwealth Association for Science, Technology and
Mathematics Educators) and CTG-CPUT (Critical Thinking Group of the
Cape Peninsula University of Technology department of Education: Robert
Koopman, Duthie Glynn-Ray).
CTG-CPUT produced a tightly knit programme
with a wide range of educators and themes from across Africa. CASTME
looks forward to future co-operation with CTG-CPUT and extends their
most sincere gratitude to the CTG team for their superb organisation
and the extremely hard and efficient work that went into making this
such a successful conference.
Other
Events
1. Science, Technology & Innovation:
Key Drivers for Socio-Economic Transformation - a Pre-CHOGM Science
& Technology Symposium during Uganda's National Science Week -
September 2007
13th to 15th September 2007 the Mbarara University of Science &
Technology (MUST), Makerere University, the Uganda National Council
for Science and Technology (UNCST), the Association of Commonwealth
Universities (ACU), the Commonwealth Foundation (CF), the Royal Society
of Chemistry (RSC), the British Council (BC), Uganda Office will host
"Science, Technology & Innovation: Key Drivers for Socio-Economic
Transformation" - a Pre-CHOGM Science & Technology Symposium
for Uganda.
2. Collaborative conference Mauritius
5-7 Sept 07
CASTME will be taking part in a meeting
of curriculum developers, examination boards and other key stakeholders
from a variety of countries including Brunei, Singapore, SEAMEO, Australia
and most of Southern Africa to discuss issues in science education
as many are currently rewriting their science curriculum. It is an
opportunity to exchange experiences and to showcase good practice.
In collaboration with Mauritius Education Department and Cambridge
International Examinations.
3. International conference Ghana October
10,11,12 2007
In response to requests by CASTME members
across the Commonwealth, this will take place three years after the
last pan-Commonwealth CASTME event..
Ghana is beginning a series of major educational reforms with strong
emphasis on improving Science, Technology and Mathematics. These reforms
have been largely in the hands of the University that will host the
CASTME conference (Winneba University of Education)
A hands-on, minds-on workshop-based gathering
for all those with real interest in socially relevant Science, Technology
and Maths teaching and learning. Winneba University has led the current
education reforms in Ghana, with greatly increased emphasis on STM.
4. COMMONWEALTH PEOPLE'S FORUM KAMPALA
NOVEMBER 19-21 2007
CASTME will facilitate a workshop on Sub-Theme
5: Education for Transformation
Workshop organised by the Commonwealth
Consortium for Education
Education for transformation
Joined-up policies to develop Commonwealth education
Facilitators:
Ministry of Education Uganda?
Commonwealth Education Fund?
Commonwealth Foundation
5.Association for Science Education Annual Conference Liverpool
Jan 08
CASTME will be responsible for a number
of events in the International programme, including a follow-up workshop
to the 2007 'Improving effectiveness of science teacher associations'
and a sharing good practice workshop. These will be free and open
to all
And will be facilitated by CASTME Asia and Africa
