Teacher’s passion for science recognised with MEC’s excellence award
At the heart of Paterson High School in Schauderville, where young minds are flourishing and dreams take flight, Kenneth Prins stands tall as a beacon of inspiration.
His quest is to make science not just a subject, but something fun for pupils.
And his dedication to his calling has now grabbed the attention of Eastern Cape education MEC Fundile Gade, with Prins receiving the Award for Excellence in the Teaching of Science on Friday.
The accolade shines as a milestone in his illustrious 34 years in education.
Prins said the award was as a result of his journey that started in 1997 when he was involved in the mentoring of pupils in research and innovation, much like what they are now doing at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists.
“Since 2017, the Eskom Expo has seen the innovative ideas of about 21 Paterson learners come to life, with 10 learners selected to represent the Bay at the annual International Science Fair in Boksburg,” Prins said.
He said Paterson pupil Rikyle Jordaan would represent SA at the International Science, Technology and Engineering Competition in Bali next week.
“This is a dream come true, an opportunity I know will serve to bring hope to so many youngsters in the [northern areas] that education offers an opportunity to liberate anyone regardless of their socioeconomic challenges.”
The 54-year-old Heath Park resident, who attended Arcadia High School, journeyed through the academic echelons from Dower College to Unisa and Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
His expertise in engineering physics and chemistry is the foundation of his teaching prowess.
His career started at Humansdorp Secondary School in 1991.
“Six years later, in January 1997, I was transferred to Ithembelihle Comprehensive School in New Brighton.
“Then, 10 years on, in January 2007, I was transferred to Sanctor High.
“In January 2009, I was appointed head of department for physical sciences, life sciences and natural sciences at Ithembelihle.”
In November 2016, Prins was transferred to Paterson High School as head of department for mathematics, physical sciences and life sciences, and in October 2019 he was appointed deputy principal.
Prins said what he found exciting was that science was everywhere, and that the entire universe and how it functioned was based on these principles.
“The application of science is what I found most intriguing, hence my passion for science expos. My knowledge and skills gained through engineering physics allow the ease of spotting the ability to apply the science content prescribed by the department.”
As the digital age dawned, Prins embraced the change.
His pupils, armed with the necessary digital tools, ventured beyond the confines of a traditional classroom.
“With these tools, learners get a deeper understanding of what happens at the microscopic level through simulations, video clips of lessons that learners can view and review as many times as they like, video clips of experiments in the absence of a laboratory, and support programmes from universities and other organisations which offer opportunities to learners to visit a wellequipped laboratory.”
Paterson High principal Rose de Doncker said Prins’s commitment to his pupils had not gone unnoticed.
“Paterson’s success in terms of science and the science expo is directly attributed to his tireless efforts to support and nurture the students.
“He always goes above and beyond to ensure they have all the resources at their disposal.
“The launch of our Robotics and Coding Club was a dream come true for the school, and Rikyle’s success is as much Mr Prins’s success.
“This award is a true recognition and validation of his passion for teaching and his unwavering dedication to the learners,” De Doncker said.