Curro Science Olympiad sparks curiosity and collaboration
19 August 2025The first Curro National Science Olympiad took place recently, coinciding with national Science Week, and drew over 1 800 learners from IEB, DBE, and Cambridge schools. It was hosted entirely on the Curro Learning Portal. The four-day online challenge blended curriculum knowledge with real-world problem-solving.
A four-day challenge
The Olympiad unfolded in four stages:
- 28 July: Grades 8 and 9 – curriculum challenge
- 29 July: Grades 10 to 12 – curriculum challenge
- 30 July: Problem-solving bonanza
- 31 July: Innovation showdown
More than 500 Grade 8s and nearly 490 Grade 9s joined the junior curriculum challenge, followed by close to 400 Grade 10s, 250 Grade 11s, and 150 matrics who tackled Physical or Life Sciences in English and Afrikaans.
The problem-solving bonanza brought together over 100 learners from the senior phase and 125 from the FET phase, applying logic and creativity to scientific scenarios. The innovation showdown, featuring 17 schools, challenged teams to research, synthesise, and present ideas around South African innovations in space, medicine, and technology.
Highlight moments
Dion Kotze, head of Curro Central Curriculum’s IEB team, said: ‘The innovation showdown was a true highlight. Learners didn’t just repeat facts. They asked better questions, challenged assumptions and presented fresh ideas grounded in science.’
Abner Paul, who served as master of ceremonies, kept energy high and momentum steady throughout the event, while the curriculum team managed the content and learner engagement behind the scenes.
Recognising excellence
Three schools took the top spots:
Each will receive the Pascoe Prize to enhance science learning on campus.
Part of a bigger picture
The Olympiad adds to Curro’s growing science and innovation landscape, which includes Genius Olympiad participation and robotics events. It offers learners across all grades a structured yet stimulating space to test, apply, and expand their knowledge.