The Ten Flags Theme Park launches the world’s first upside down school in Rustenburg, North West on 12 August 2022. The upside school consists of a classroom, science lab, music room, design and art room, library, kitchen and reception. The equipment in the school is upside, however, it is all fully functional.
The Upside Down School is an educational project, which is targeted at learners from grade three (3) all the way through to university. The school will be operational Monday to Friday with a set educational programme that is specific to the different school grades with the objective of forming part of their educational development. On the weekends, the school is open to tourists to explore and experience.
Tshepang Maqabe, Project Manager at Ten Flags Theme Park says, “Corporate citizens have a role to play in the educational development of our youth because it takes a village to raise a child. The set-up of the school is to encourage both the sciences, which are critical to bridging the current skills shortage that our country faces, and the musical arts and design. This structure is because we believe that each learner has different strengths and interests, which need to be developed and honed for their growth and success.”
Education is a key component in the development of South Africa’s future leaders and bridge the current skills gap in various industries such as engineering, Information Technology and Communications (ICT), the sciences and design. The drop in mathematics and science uptake in high school learners is a cause for concern and it is key for public and private entities to band together to explore creative avenues that encourage the sciences and engineering.
“Learning does not have to be perceived as boring, learning can be fun and a creative exercise. The Upside Down School is an example of how education and learning can be fun,” concludes Maqabe.
