GrowSmart competition celebrates pupils’ achievements in maths and literacy
From left are Quentin Rapitse, Alicedale Primary School Grade 5 teacher, Cayleigh Jonathan, pupil, Dominic Cranfield, student teacher, Rahim Radjabu, pupil, Ike Morkel, principal of Alicedale Primary School, Uthman Hartzenberg, pupil, Nadima Ally, acting principal, and Allen Parker, departmental head at Alicedale Primary School.
Image: Supplied
The GrowSmart competition for maths and literacy concluded with a lively final event showcasing the talents of primary school pupils across the province.
GrowSmart is an educational competition run in the Western Cape that focuses on improving pupils’ skills in literacy, numeracy, and story writing.
It was launched in 2010 by Growthpoint Properties in partnership with the Western Cape Education Department (WCED). The competition is aimed at Grade 4 to 6 pupils from under-resourced schools, giving them a fun and competitive platform to showcase their abilities.
The event took place on Saturday, September 13, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
In the Maths Competition, Intshayelelo Primary School from Khayelitsha claimed first place, followed by Alicedale Primary School in Manenberg in second, and Fraaisig Primary School in third. Meadowridge Primary School in Lentegeur finished fourth, with JD Crawford Primary School in Beaufort West in fifth place.
The Literacy Competition saw Kerria Primary School in Atlantis take first place, Teske Primary School in Beaufort West in second, and Ithemba Primary School in Vrygrond in third. Swartberg Primary School in Oudtshoorn and Van Wyksvlei Primary School in Van Wyksvlei rounded out the top five.
Western Cape Education Department (WCED) spokesperson Millicent Merton said the event celebrated outstanding pupil achievements and encouraged pupils to develop strong skills in mathematics and literacy, essential foundations for their future learning.
Logan Ross, teacher assistant, said it was a proud and memorable day for Alicedale Primary as their pupils competed in the GrowSmart Mathematics Finals.
From left are back are teachers Abdul Maalik Gafieldien, Aisha Francis and Lucinda May. In front left are pupils Uzair Van Der Fort, Noah Marman and Christian Hove.
Image: Supplied
"Special thanks to Dominic Cranfield, who arrived early every day to prepare their pupils; Quentin Rapitse, Grade 5 teacher, who walked alongside these students with encouragement and commitment; and Nadima Ally, acting principal, who, despite a busy schedule, mentored our learners with patience and care. Your belief in them made all the difference,” he said.
They thanked the teachers, staff, and parents who supported their pupils. “Together, as a school family, we have shown that when everyone unites, great things happen,” said Mr Ross.
The Lentegeur school, Meadowridge Primary, placed fourth in the maths category.
Teacher Lucinda May said the Meadowridge Mathematics Growsmart team consisted of three Grade 6 boys. The boys qualified by achieving first and second in Levels 1, 2, and the semi-final rounds to compete in the finals on Saturday.
“This was the first time any Meadowridge Growsmart team reached the finals - they made us all extremely proud,” she said.