Belgravia High School at the 2025 Summer School

Seventeen Grade 11 and 12 learners from Belgravia High School in Belgravia, Athlone attended selected courses at the 2025 UCT Summer School. It was their first visit to UCT.
The learners chose the following lectures on AI, Carbon dioxide, the Challenges of Economic Development and Climate Crises and Opportunities in South Africa.

By far their most popular course was the Applications of AI presented on 31 January  2025 by Associate Professor Claude Formanek from UCT’s Computer Science department.

The learners found the session both informative and engaging, gaining a deeper understanding of artificial intelligence and its applications. After the class, the students had many questions for the lecturer, whose responses helped them feel that their opinions were valued.

The purpose of this experience was to expose the students to the practical applications of artificial intelligence, as well as the campus, allowing them to gain a clearer understanding of the subject and to interact directly with experts in the field.

According to Mr Leroy Jones, the learners’ perspectives on AI were broadened, and they became more aware of both the opportunities and challenges AI presents. The interaction with the lecturer made them feel that their thoughts on the future of technology mattered.

In general the learners “had a wonderful experience and loved the UCT setup” says Ms Gadija Behardien, head of the schools’ Geography’s department