2018 Free State Science Olympiads for Grades 10, 11 and 12

Monday, 23 July 2018, was a great day for physical sciences. It was the kick-off for learners in grades 10, 11 and 12 to write their Science Olympiads. 

In grades 11 and 12, apart from schools who have entered their learners by themselves, the Free State Department of Education (FSDE) sponsored 1080 learners from MST schools (Math, Science and Technology) and invited Non-MST schools to take part. The top 50 learners in each of grades 11 and 12 will qualify to attend the Free State Science Convention in Potchefstroom. It will DV be held on 16 and 17 August and it is always a highlight of the year's programme!

In the case of grade 10, at least 50% of all the learners taking physical sciences in all schools of the Free State were sponsored by the FSDE to enter round 1 of the grade 10 Olympiad. The top 4 learners in each school will qualify to take part as a team in round 2 of the Olympiad, the so-called cluster competition. This is scheduled for 14 August. 

From there, the top teams in quintile 1 to 3 schools will compete against one another in the district finals (round 3) and the provincial finals (round 4). Likewise, the top teams of quintile 4 and 5 schools will compete against one another in rounds 3 and 4. These competitions are scheduled for 11 September with the provincial finals on 12 & 13 October 2018.

We are very excited about all of this. It enhances participation and interest in physical sciences and the FSDE invests a lot of money in making it possible for our learners to be exposed to these opportunities. 


Best luck to all the learners who qualify for upcoming events. For those of them who do not qualify; keep on learning and keep on participating. Life asks from us to make a contribution! The support from all the teachers in these events is also greatly appreciated! Teachers play a major role in the development of the learners.