A school-based curriculum is geared toward providing learners and teachers with guidance on what must be taught at each age. Hence, teachers are trained professionally and therefore equipped to cover fixed syllabi at each learner's grade and age. This limits the scope of the subject material taught at each age.

Though teachers and learners are encouraged to demonstrate understanding, skills, and values linked to the knowledge gained, the school calendar, time available, and student ability restrict the growth in these areas. The school population and class numbers are usually too large for teachers to give special attention to the above-average, specially gifted, and talented learners. 

Therefore, classroom teaching and learning are often governed by and restricted to the syllabus and very largely knowledge-based.

The introduction of Olympiads in Science (and in many other learning areas) in South Africa (and in other parts of the world) provides the above average and talented learners with greater challenges in science. 

While the questions are based on the knowledge gained, they tested other abilities such as understanding, analysis, problem-solving, and values. These Olympiad questions are regarded as being more difficult and of a higher level in nature and challenge students to think.

The introduction of Olympiads in Science (and in many other learning areas) in South Africa (and in other parts of the world) provides the above average and talented learners with greater challenges in science.

 While the questions are based on the knowledge gained, they tested other abilities such as understanding, analysis, problem-solving, and values. These Olympiad questions are regarded as being more difficult and of a higher level in nature and challenge students to think.

South African Science Olympiads

Science Olympiads for all learners are being promoted in keeping with decisions taken at various stakeholder levels, involving the Department of Education, Department of Science and Technology, and Provincial Departments. This initiative falls within discussions encompassing the South African Government’s ‘Youth into Science Strategy.

The National Science Olympiad Organizing Committee has been organizing and promoting the South African Science Olympiads in Natural, Life, and Physical
Sciences for all learners Nationally, in both Primary and Secondary schools, over the last 20 years. 

Students writing these Olympiads qualify for selection to represent the country in one of four International Olympiads:

1. International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) for Natural Sciences with an age limit of 15 years which annually takes place during the month of December.

2. International Physics Olympiad (IPHO) with an age limit of 20 years and only for students not attending university yet. It annually takes place during the month of July.

3. International Chemistry Olympiad (ICHO) with an age limit of 20 years and only for students not attending university yet. It annually takes place during the month of July.

4. International Biology Olympiad (IBO) with an age limit of 20 years and only for students not attending a university yet. It annually takes place during the month of July.

Other Olympiads are also being organized in South Africa. The National Research Foundation (NRF South Africa) in conjunction with the South African Agency for Science and Technology (SAASTA) has promoted a Senior Olympiad for over 50 years in Physical and Life Sciences at Grade 12 level. Grade 10 and 11 learners are also allowed to participate in this Olympiad. This Olympiad is not affiliated with any international Olympiad.