CAMST’s Astrovo Robotics Team Heads to World Championship in Houston
CAMST’s Astrovo Robotics Team Heads to World Championship in Houston Western Cape learners shine on the global stage as Astrovo prepares to represent South Africa at the prestigious FIRST Tech Challenge https://capeacademy.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Cape-Academy-robotics-2.mp4https://capeacademy.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Cape-Academy-robotics-1.mp4 A dynamic team of young innovators from the Cape Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology (CAMST) is set to represent South Africa on the world stage. Astrovo, CAMST’s award-winning robotics team, has secured a coveted spot at the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) World Championship, taking place from 15 to 19 April 2025 in Houston, Texas. This prestigious international event will bring together the top robotics teams from around the globe for a thrilling competition focused on technical innovation, problem-solving, and collaborative excellence. From National Success to Global Ambitions Astrovo earned their place at the world championship following an impressive performance at the FTC South African Championship, held on 14–15 February 2025. Their mastery of strategy, engineering precision, and seamless teamwork stood out among fierce national competitors. Astrovo won’t be alone in Houston. Joining them on this international journey are two other talented teams from the Western Cape — Texpand and Hyperion Bots — who have also shown exceptional skill and determination throughout the local and national competition rounds. A Legacy of Excellence Astrovo is no stranger to success. Since entering the FTC arena in 2019, the team has become a powerful presence in South Africa’s competitive robotics scene. Mentored by the Sakhikamva Foundation, Astrovo has accumulated multiple accolades, both locally and abroad, while continuing to inspire young minds and promote STEM education throughout the country. As the team gears up for Houston, their focus is on refining their robot’s design, optimizing coding and automation strategies, and intensifying training sessions. To make this dream a reality, they are also actively seeking sponsorships to help cover travel expenses, equipment upgrades, and competition costs. “We are incredibly proud of our team’s achievements and excited for the opportunity to represent South Africa on the world stage,” said Fatima Jakoet, founder of the Sakhikamva Foundation. “This is more than just a competition — it’s a global collaboration that drives the future of innovation.” A New Era for Robotics in South African Schools Astrovo’s journey reflects the growing momentum behind Coding and Robotics education in South Africa. Officially introduced into the national curriculum in June 2024, the subject is a bold step toward preparing learners for a digital and technology-driven future. With over 200 pilot schools in the Western Cape alone, this initiative is already sparking creativity, critical thinking, and a love for innovation among thousands of learners. Although the rollout has presented its fair share of challenges, it’s paving the way for a generation equipped with the skills needed to thrive in STEM careers. Let’s Rally Behind Astrovo Astrovo’s story is proof that when learners are given exposure and opportunity, success follows. Now, more than ever, community support and investment are essential to help these learners reach their full potential. The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) and broader South African community are encouraged to support and cheer on the team as they prepare to raise the South African flag high in Houston. Follow Astrovo’s exciting journey on Instagram: @astrovo_ftc#AstrovoToHouston #FTC2025 #ProudlyCAMST #YouthInTech
Cape Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology – Extra-Curricular Policy
Cape Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology –Extra Curricular Policy EXTRA-CURRICULAR POLICY :Aims CAMST actively encourages all students to participate in extra-curricular activities to promote students’ holistic development in accordance with our mission statement. Representing CAMST as a team, group or individual should be considered an honour and students are expected to display commitment, pride and dedication to their chosen activity and their school. It is our aim to involve as many learners as possible in extra-curricular activities, be that sport, culture, or co-curricular activities. General Principles Full school rules apply at all times. A spirit of goodwill and sportsmanship should be encouraged. It is the students’ responsibility to enquire from their subject teachers what work/tasks they have missed and arrange a submission date for this. Students are responsible for having appropriate gear/equipment, footwear and change of clothes. Students must wear full school uniform/tracksuit to all events unless instructed otherwise by the school. Parental involvement in training and coaching of teams is welcomed, subject to the approval of the school authorities. Parental support at events is also encouraged. The utmost respect must be shown to the necessary extra-curricular activities organisers and to the property of others when taking part in extra-curricular activities. Registration forms should include a record of all current extra-curricular activities that the learners are involved in, and this should be available at the office. The itinerary, attendees, dates, location, and event supervisors must be decided upon by the committee (for this purpose, committee refers to the stakeholders for this specific activity or event). Any costs or fees required for the activity are the responsibility or the parents if not subsidised by either the institution organising the activity or the school itself (transport, registration levies, entry fees, etc.). Health and Safety All extra-curricular activities and clubs must be organised with the safety of participants as the major consideration. The school will endeavour to send at least one adult per ten learners (rounded to the nearest ten) to all events/fixtures/outings. In the event of a student requiring immediate medical attention, the accompanying teacher should seek appropriate help and remain with the student until contact and arrangements have been made with parents/guardians. Strict adherence to any safety and health precautions associated with a particular activity is necessary. Parents or guardians need to sign indemnity forms for each event that takes learners off the school property. This will indemnify the school. The form should include: details for the parents of the event in question (venue, date, time) emergency contact numbers for each learner medical details (medical aid, allergies, medication etc.) the parent/guardian’s signature Withdrawal Where a student has been absent due to extra-curricular activities and subsequently fails to complete tasks assigned during class(es) they have missed, they may be referred to the disciplinary committee. It is at the discretion of the disciplinary committee, in consultation with parents, as to the procedure that will follow. Where a student, through their actions while taking part in extra-curricular activities, brings the school into disrepute, they will be referred to the disciplinary committee. In such situations students may, alongside normal school sanctions, be withdrawn from extra-curricular activities at the discretion of the disciplinary committee. If a student fails to attend extra-curricular activity meetings more than three times without valid reason, they may be withdrawn from the activity in question due to lack of commitment. A student may be excluded from extra-curricular activities if (a) their behaviour at school is guilty of misconduct, and/or (b) they are not putting adequate effort into their academics. Promotion of extra-curricular activity in school The involvement of students in extra-curricular activities will enhance their holistic development. This is an opportunity for students of all levels to display their abilities in activities outside the curriculum On the orientation day, students will be made aware of all the extra-curricular activities available in the school and actively encouraged to participate. Involvement It is not the policy of the school to limit the number of extra-curricular activities students take part in, except in such cases where the learner cannot cope as may be decided by the disciplinary committee in consultation with parents. The school recommends that parents consider the potential impact on academic standards if students take part in a wide range of activities. Hostel The hostel should have a book or record of all the learners’ extra-curricular activities, to be able to account for the whereabouts of each learner. It’s the learners’ responsibility to inform the hostel staff of any changes or additional meetings. Snacks or meals must be provided for learners who have missed mealtimes due to an extra-curricular activity. Transport must arranged prior to the event or meeting if required. The teachers involved need to inform the hostel prior to the event if learners will need to stay at hostel over a weekend due to an event or activity. If parents plan to collect their children from an event, the hostel must be notified of the pick-up arrangements. Competitions Criteria is needs-based and must be made clear to learners per competition Criteria is subject-related, i.e. learners are able to participate in competitions that are relevant to their subject choices or interests. Learners participating in respective competitions must adhere to the rules and regulations as stipulated by the competition organisers. Learners must meet the requirements of the competition in order to participate.
Cape Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology Usage Policy
Cape Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology – Usage Policy COMPUTER ACCEPTABLE USAGE POLICY CAMST encourages the sharing of information, comprehensive access to local and national facilities to create and disseminate information, and the free expression of ideas. General-access facilities and infrastructure are provided to further these purposes. There is an obligation on the part of those using these facilities and services to respect the intellectual and access rights of others. 1. OverviewThe intentions for publishing an acceptable use policy are not to impose restrictions that are contrary to CAMST established culture of openness, trust and integrity. IT is committed to protecting CAMST’s staff and learners from illegal or damaging actions by individuals, either knowingly or unknowingly. Internet/Intranet/Extranet-related systems, including but not limited to computer equipment, software, operating systems, storage media, network accounts providing electronic mail, WWW browsing, and FTP, are the property of CAMST. These systems are to be used for educational purposes in serving the interests of CAMST. Effective security is a team effort involving the participation and support of every one of CAMST and affiliates who deals with information and/or information systems. It is the responsibility of every computer user to know these guidelines, and to conduct their activities accordingly. 2. PurposeThe purpose of this policy is to outline the acceptable use of computer equipment at CAMST. These rules are in place to protect the staff and learners of CAMST. Inappropriate use exposes CAMST to risks including virus attacks, compromise of network systems and services, and legal issues. 3. ScopeThis policy applies to staff, learners, contractors, consultants, temporaries at CAMST. This policy applies to all equipment that is owned or leased by CAMST. 4. Unauthorized uses of a computer account. Users will not violate copyright laws and their fair use provisions through inappropriate reproduction and/or distribution of music (MP3, etc.), movies, computer software, copyrighted text, images, etc. Users shall not use CAMST computers or network facilities to gain unauthorized access to any computer systems. Using programs intended to gain access to unauthorized systems for any reason or purpose is strictly prohibited. Users shall not connect unauthorized equipment to the CAMST’s network, to include hubs, routers, printers or other equipment connected to the company’s network directly or via remote attachment. Users shall not make unauthorized attempts to circumvent data protection schemes or uncover security loopholes. This includes creating and/or running programs that are designed to identify security loopholes and/or decrypt intentionally secure data. Users will not associate unapproved domain name sites with CAMST’s IP address. Users will not knowingly or carelessly perform an act that will interfere with the normal operation of computers, terminals, peripherals, or networks. Users will not knowingly or carelessly run or install on any computer system or network, or give to another user, a program intended to damage or to place excessive load on a computer system or network. This includes, but is not limited to, programs known as computer viruses, Trojan Horses, and worms. Users will refrain from activity that wastes or overloads computing resources. This includes printing too many copies of a document or using excessive bandwidth on the network. Users will not violate terms of applicable software licensing agreements or copyright laws. Users will not use CAMST’s resources for commercial activity, such as creating products or services for sale. Users will not use electronic mail to harass or threaten others, or to send materials that might be deemed inappropriate, derogatory, prejudicial, or offensive. This includes sending repeated, unwanted e-mail to another user. Users will not use electronic mail on CAMST-owned, or CAMST sponsored, or CAMST-provided hardware or services to transmit any information, text, or images that would be deemed offensive, inappropriate, derogatory, prejudicial, or offensive. Users will not initiate, propagate or perpetuate electronic chain letters. Users will not send inappropriate mass mailings not directly associated with, or in the performance of, the routine course of duties or assignments. This includes multiple mailings to newsgroups, mailing lists, or individuals, e.g. “spamming,” “flooding,” or “bombing.” Users will not forge the identity of a user or machine in an electronic communication. Users will not transmit or reproduce materials that are slanderous or defamatory in nature, or that otherwise violate existing laws, regulations, policies, or which are considered to generally be inappropriate in a work place. Users will not display images or text that could be considered obscene, lewd, or sexually explicit or harassing in a public computer facility or location that can be in view of others. Users will not attempt to monitor or tamper with another user’s electronic communications, or reading, copying, changing, or deleting another user’s files or software without the explicit agreement of the owner. 5. PolicyComputing resources and facilities of CAMST are the property of the school and shall be used for legitimate activity related to the performance of the duties and responsibilities of the users only, educational, administrative, public service. Individuals who disregard elements of this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary and/or legal action by CAMST. Use of CAMST’s computing facilities for personal or commercial use is not authorized. Use of CAMST’s computing facilities for educational purposes must be consistent with other training educational programs. Individuals and outside organizations using CAMST facilities to gain access to non-school facilities must be cognizant of and observe the acceptable use policies of CAMST at all times. Failure to observe these policies will result in immediate disconnection or loss of use privileges, as well as possible disciplinary action or termination at the discretion of the head of department, principal or governing body based on the nature and severity of the offence. Unauthorized viewing or use of another person’s computer files, programs, or data is prohibited. All users should also be aware that all programs and all files are deemed to be the property of CAMST, unless the individual has a written agreement signed by an appropriate representative of CAMST. Law may require disclosure of individual computer files which are deemed public records under the state public records statute and that the law may prohibit the
Cape Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology – Admissions Policy
Cape Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology –Admissions Policy The Cape Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology follows the admissions guidelines set out by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED). All applications for admission are handled in accordance with the WCED online admissions process. Parents/guardians are required to apply through the official WCED admissions portal during the designated application period each year. To learn more about the admissions process, application requirements, and important dates, please visit the WCED Admissions website:👉 Click here to access WCED Admissions
Cape Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology – Tours and Excursion Policy
Cape Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology – Tours and Excursion Policy TOURS AND EXCURSION POLICY : 1. PREAMBLEIn terms of the South African Schools Act of 1996, the governing body of a public school must determine the Tours and Excursion policy of that school.Touring and hosting tours have educational value, and are considered to be an important feature in the school’s wider extra-curricular programme. Sports tours motivate players and stimulate improvement in our sport. Cultural tours enrich the curricular programme. Both types of tours have valuable social benefits and promote school spirit. 2. LEGISLATIVE BACKGROUNDThe Governing Body of the Cape Academy has accordingly constituted the following as the Tours and Excursions policy of the school, in the belief that its provisions are consistent with: o South African Schools Act, 1996 (Act No. 84 of 1996).o Gauteng School Education Act, 1995 (Act No. 6 of 1995). ?????o Government Gazette No. 29376 of 10 November 3. DEFINITIONSIn this policy any expression to which a meaning has been assigned in the South African Schools Act, 1996 (Act No. 84 of 1996), the Further Education and Training Act, 1998 (Act No. 98 of 1998) and the Employment of Educators Act, 1998 (Act No. 76 of 1998), shall have that meaning and, unless the context otherwise indicates:Pupil/learner – child enrolled at that specific schoolSMT – Senior Management TeamSGB – School Governing Body4. OBJECTIVESa. To align the school processes with the latest legislation.b. To advise stakeholders on the procedures for dealing with matters related to Tours and Excursionsc. To refer stakeholders to the relevant legislation in order to ensure compliance around Tours and Excursions in public schools.d. The purpose of this policy is to reflect the Cape Academy’s constitutional responsibility to ensure access of all learners to quality education within and outside the school environment. 4. STATEMENT OF APPLICABILITY1. The SGB.2. The Principal and all staff at the school.3. Learners and parents4. Service providers related to tours and excursions 5. FUNDING OF TOURS AND EXCURSIONSa. The basic principle is that parents of tour members are responsible for meeting the costs of their child.b. Staff supervising the tour are not required to meet any costs. Their expenses must be provided for in the tour budget which will be accompanied by proper quotations and verified by the SGB.c. Mini tours (weekend or overnight) relatively close to the school, and recreational expeditions such as river trips, hikes, etc., should be self-supporting, and not subsidised from the school fund.d. Expenses in hosting tours can be met from the school fund provided the availability of funds.e. The most cost effective means of hosting or going on a tour must be considered at all times. 6. FUNDRAISINGa. School fund raising efforts may be held from time to time to provide revenue for the tour fund.b. A particular tour group may embark on fund raising projects, subject to the approval of the SGB.c. The cost of any damage incurred will be deducted from the tour fund, and additional fines may be imposed, which will be used to support the tour fund.d. Care must be taken not to deflect sources of financial support from existing school programmes.f. Any initiative by parents must first be approved by the SGB. 7. SPONSORSHIPSa. Sponsorships may be sought subject to the above.b. Such monies must be made payable to the school account.c. Any sponsorships in kind (togbags, T shirts) must first be approved by the principal with reference to design, wording, etc. Tasteful advertising is acceptable.d. Sponsorships should be acknowledged in the school newsletter.e. Any excess money raised via a sponsorship will be credited to the tour fund and earmarked for future use in a tour for the same sport/activity. 8. PROPOSING A TOUR OR EXCURSIONa. The teacher in charge of a sport/cultural/Learning area should approach a member of the senior management team.b. The principal’s provisional approval should then be obtained. He will obtain authorisation from the governing body, who are ultimately responsible for any tour.c. Criteria used in considering a sports tour include the enthusiasm of the coach, availability of an experienced, suitable staff tour leader and a teacher assistant-leader, the strength and suitability of the team, and the financial implications, especially for parents.d. Thereafter a detailed proposal must be prepared and presented to the principal.e. This should include such details as dates, possible itinerary, travel / transport, proposed staff in charge, and a budget with reasons.f. The bursar (in charge of school finance) can advise on budget compilation. Once a tour has been authorised, she has the responsibility of supervising the financial aspects, i.e. budget, payment of monies, and the compilation and checking of statements after the tour.g. Once a tour has been approved, the principal must be kept informed of arrangements, and drafts of written communications to pupils or parents must be checked by him or her.h. Guidelines for staff in charge of tours appear in a separate document and must be used in planning and undertaking the tour.i. A set of copies of all documents must be given to the principal for the office tour file, and a similar set should be kept in the file for the sport or activity.j. Tour parties may not miss school days, so do not plan early departures. This contravenes education department policy and our own school ethos.k. A lead time of 1 term is required to plan and implement any tour or excursion. 9. TRANSPORTATION OF LEARNERSa. School Mini buses (i.e. belonging to CAMST)b. All school vehicles must be kept in serviceable condition and comply with the Road Traffic Act.c. The principal’s responsibility is as follows:d. – to ensure all school vehicles are in excellent condition and have written proof of this.e. – that the school has adequate comprehensive insurancef. – ensure that the teacher who is designated to drive:g. – is a responsible and experienced driverh. – is in possession of an appropriate driver’s licensei. If an accident / injury occurs and the teacher is found not to have been negligent, the school is not liable for
Cape Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology – Hostel Policy
Cape Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology Hostel Policy HOSTEL POLICY DOCUMENT : INTRODUCTIONThis document is the hostel policy CAPE ACADEMY MATHS, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, as approved by the school governing body. A hostel- committee made up of staff, parents, school governing body members and the hostel -head is responsible for the administration of the hostel.Boarders are expected to know and obey the hostel policy and rules, a copy of which will be made available to the learner at the beginning of the year. Each boarder is bound by the school’s code of conduct for learners, over and above the hostel policy and rules. The core values instilled in the boarders are those of: Respect Honesty Consideration Tolerance Integrity Any conduct contrary to the prescripts, terms and spirit of the policy is regarded as misconduct and will be resolved in terms of this policy and or the school’s code of conduct.VISION1. We strive to do whatever we can to create a better, healthier (cleaner) and non-racist environment for learners. 2. To lead by example, putting our hostelites needs first and persevere to get the best out of 2009.(Mission) 3. To make it a stress free, comfortable environment for the learners to be in, and a place where learners can develop their fullest potential. 4. We strive to better living conditions in and around the hostel. Vision: “A home away from home” MISSIONUBUNTU – Respect ourselves, others, their property and the environment. – Lead by example. – Motivate and encourage a supportive learning environment. – To uphold the hostels reps reputation, practice empathy, and take initiative when opportunity arises PREAMBLE LEGISLATIVE BACKGROUND DEFINITIONS OBJECTIVES The hostel can never replace the home, but the same principles of a good home will be applied. The rules are there to protect the rights of the boarders as well as the rights of the parents. Should a boarder be allowed to conduct themselves in their own home which is contrary to this Policy, such reason does not serve as justification for such conduct and breach. Boarders have the following rights to study – no-one is to interfere with this right to live and sleep in a safe and quiet environment to live in a clean environment with access to good ablution facilities to be provided with three meals a day STATEMENT OF APPLICABILITY ADMISSION The hostel committee alone is responsible for the regulation and control of hostel admissions. Application for hostel admission must occur at the same time as application for school admission, unless the governing body decides otherwise. The hostel committee reserves the right of admission to the hostel. Re-admittance to the hostel is dependent on academic performance. BOARDING FEES A deposit becomes due upon registration as soon as the hostel committee/principal approves and confirms a learner’s application for admission to the hostel. Should the deposit not be paid to the school within 7 days of approval and confirmation, the school governing body may withdraw its approval and confirmation. The deposit is non-refundable and will be used to cover the first term’s boarding fees. Each hostel parent is responsible for full boarding fees. Boarding fees are payable in advance each term. Unless arrangements and possible negotiation made with the hostel committee, Learners will not be allowed to take up or resume residency in the new term until the fees are paid in full. 5.When boarders vacate their residence their rooms must be left in a tidy state and all personal property must be removed. Neither the school hostel nor the staff will be held responsible for any loss or damage to personal property. H. HOSTEL RULESThe school principal, hostel superintendent, his/her staff and hostel leaders are responsible for maintaining discipline in the hostel and the seriousness of conduct is not only determined by the conduct itself but also the effect such has on other boarders, learners and the reputation of the school in general Wake-up Learners wake up at 06:00 in the morning and get dressed. Learners who are sick and unable to attend school, must report to educator on duty at breakfast. Room doors must not be locked at all. Report for breakfast promptly at the set time. Cleaning of rooms and inspection. Learners make their beds, sweep their rooms and neaten their rooms before leaving for school in the morning. Learners are encouraged to have a room cleaning roster visible in the room doors. Hostel representatives will inspect the rooms before breakfast. Meals Learners must be on time for meals and must be attired neatly and decorously – not items of sleepwear to be worn, including slippers; no head gear, no caps, no woodies, no earphones to be worn in dining hall and no audible music sound is allowed. Learners should enter the dining room in a quiet and orderly manner. Meals will be served cafeteria style. Learners should ensure that tables are kept neat and that proper table manners are observed. Tables must be cleared by the learners after the meal. No crockery or cutlery must be removed from the dining room. All dirty crockery or cutlery must be put in the trolley available on completion of the meals. No learners allowed in the kitchen area without permission. Meal Times: Hostel Lockup All learners must leave for school no later than 7:30 as hostel will then be locked. No learner may visit the hostel during the official school hours. On special circumstances learners needing to visit the hostel may get permission from the grade heads. All hostels will be locked at 18:30 pm for Monday – Saturday, and will lock at 18:00 pm on Sunday during summer. In winter the lockup time is 18:00 pm for Monday – Monday. Failure to adhere to these times will result in penalties. Study period Only studying will be allowed during the study period. No walking around, sleeping, disturbances, music, cell phones, reading of novels or magazines, etc. are allowed. No learner is allowed to forgo the study period without the permission of the educator on duty. Learners who need to work on projects in groups
NASA Visits the Cape Academy: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Explorers
NASA Visits the Cape Academy: Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Explorers https://youtu.be/bCibMUcVFcM?si=2gE9wpcJyFSVJV5X Learners at the Cape Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology were recently given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to engage with one of NASA’s top officials. Mr. Badri Younes, the NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Space Communications and Navigation, visited the school and delivered a captivating address to students and staff. During the session, Mr. Younes delved into NASA’s cutting-edge space science research and the crucial role that space communications plays in supporting the agency’s missions. Learners were introduced to the intricate systems that allow spacecraft to stay connected with Earth, and how these technologies make space exploration possible. One of the most exciting parts of the talk was an overview of NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon. Mr. Younes also highlighted South Africa’s contribution to this global mission, showcasing the important role the country plays in the future of space exploration. Beyond the science, the session served as an eye-opening introduction to career opportunities in the aerospace industry, inspiring learners to consider futures in space science, engineering, and communication technologies. This special visit from NASA left learners with a renewed sense of curiosity, ambition, and pride—proving that even the sky is not the limit.
Astrovo Shines at Chicago Robotics Invitational
Astrovo Shines at Chicago Robotics Invitational CAMST learners represent South Africa with excellence The Sakhikamva Foundation and the Cape Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology (CAMST) are incredibly proud of Haadiyah Slamang and Jesse, who recently represented South Africa on the global stage at the Chicago Robotics Invitational FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC). As members of Astrovo FTC Team 17955, the duo competed in a challenging three-day event that brought together some of the most innovative young minds in robotics. Despite fierce competition, Astrovo made South Africa proud by winning the prestigious ‘Against All Odds’ Award, celebrating their resilience, determination, and teamwork throughout the event. Astrovo is no stranger to success. The team has previously earned multiple accolades, including the Innovate Award and two Connect Awards in the 2022–2023 season. This marks their third season competing in the FIRST Tech Challenge, showcasing consistent excellence and growth in the fields of robotics, engineering, and coding. The team embodies more than just technical skill — they’re also passionate about outreach and development. Their efforts include engaging with local schools, forming new robotics teams, and maintaining detailed engineering portfolios and meeting logs that document their journey. As we celebrate this remarkable achievement, we are reminded of the importance of creating platforms and opportunities for our youth. Their success is not only a personal triumph but a national inspiration. Let’s continue to support and empower our young people to reach for the stars — just like Haadiyah, Jesse, and the rest of Team Astrovo have done.
Learners making waves in robotics as they jet off to America for international competition
Learners making waves in robotics as they jet off to America for international competition Peoples Post – 27 June 2023 Natasha Bezuidenhout (@NatashaLeeBezu1) Learners at the Cape Academy for Mathematics, Science and Technology will be jetting off to Chicago in the USA for an international robotics competition. PHOTO: Supplied Cape Academy’s Robotics Team is making waves both locally and internationally! A group of 16 talented learners are set to represent South Africa in a prestigious robotics competition in Chicago, USA. Their journey is not only one of innovation and teamwork, but also of strong community support. Ward 72 councillor Kevin Southgate shared that when he was approached by one of the learners’ parents for assistance with travel costs, he immediately took action. Through his appeal to the Mayor, the City sponsored R2,500 per learner, covering a total of R32,500 for the group. This generous sponsorship helped turn a dream into reality. “I’m very encouraged to learn that we have several young people from our community that are part of this robotics team,” said Councillor Southgate. “We should do anything we can to help our young people succeed.” One of the team members, Haadiyah Slamang (15), shared insights into the structure and dedication of the team: “We are going over to participate in the Chicago competition. Our team has different branches—engineering, business, and coding. We keep detailed meeting logs and also compile an engineering portfolio showcasing our designs.” Haadiyah, who has a passion for mechatronic engineering, says she enjoys coding and community outreach, and is thrilled that their team frequently competes at regional and national levels. This international opportunity is a testament to the learners’ commitment, teamwork, and innovative spirit—and a proud moment for Cape Academy!
Cape Academy Fashion Show: Style with a Purpose
Cape Academy Fashion Show: Style with a Purpose Cape Academy’s Grade 11 students recently took centre stage—this time not in a science lab or math classroom, but on the runway. In a dazzling display of creativity and confidence, the learners coordinated and hosted a fashion show as part of a fundraising initiative for their upcoming Matric Ball. The event was student-led from start to finish, with learners planning the logistics, curating the fashion, and even modeling the outfits themselves. Their goal? To raise funds that would help make their final year of high school unforgettable. And they did it in style—literally. The fashion show wasn’t just about clothes; it was a celebration of youth, unity, and ambition. It gave students the opportunity to express themselves beyond the classroom, showcasing not only their flair for fashion but also their ability to organise and execute a successful event with purpose. The school community came out in full support, cheering from the sidelines and applauding the efforts of these future matriculants. The energy in the room was electric, the styles were bold, and the message was clear: when learners come together with a vision, there’s no limit to what they can achieve. This fashionable evening was not only a fundraiser but a milestone—proof that with teamwork and determination, Cape Academy learners can turn any dream into a runway reality.