Step into the world of Smart Living: A course for Grade 7 eco-champions

Are you a Grade 7 learner who wants to learn more about how our city works and how you can help take care of the planet? The Smart Living course is here to spark your curiosity, grow your knowledge, and empower you to become an eco-conscious citizen.

Our lives and livelihoods are deeply connected to the natural environment. The water that runs through our taps, the electricity that powers our devices, and even the way we throw away waste all have an impact on the world around us. The Smart Living course is designed to help young learners understand these connections and explore ways to live more sustainably.

This isn’t just another classroom lesson; it’s an interactive journey packed with hands-on activities, engaging presentations, teamwork, and real-world experiences that bring the ideas of sustainability to life.

What you’ll learn

Throughout the course, learners dive into four key themes that shape our environment and our future:

• Biodiversity
  Discover the incredible variety of life on Earth and learn why protecting our ecosystems is so important. Interactive activities will help learners see how every creature, from the tiniest insect to the tallest tree, plays a role in keeping our world in balance.
• Water
  Explore the water cycle, the importance of clean water, and how we can all use water more responsibly. With Cape Town’s history of droughts, learners will see firsthand why water conservation is a vital skill for every citizen.
• Energy
  Electricity is something we all use daily, but do we really know where it comes from? This part of the course focuses on energy use, renewable energy sources, and practical ways to save energy at home and at school.
• Waste
  What really happens to our trash once it leaves our homes? Learners will find out by visiting a nearby waste management facility, where they’ll see recycling in action and discover why reducing waste matters for our planet.

Real-world experiences

The course goes beyond theory with exciting practical experiences. Learners will take part in hands-on experiments, team projects, and a guided trip to the Muizenberg coastal landfill site.

By the end of the course, learners will not only know more about environmental issues, but they’ll also understand how their everyday choices can make a difference.

Why this course matters

The Smart Living course is more than just a course; it’s a step toward creating future leaders in sustainability. Each participant completes a pre- and post-course evaluation, which shows just how much their knowledge has grown. They also work in groups to present their own “Environmental Action” projects, helping them build teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.

To celebrate their achievements, learners receive a certificate of completion, a recognition of their commitment to learning and protecting our planet.

Dates & details

• When: 18 & 25 October, and 1 & 2 November 2025
• Where: Two Oceans Aquarium
• Cost: Fully sponsored (T&Cs apply)
• Camp: 1 & 2 November at Gordon’s Camp in Simons Town

Why you should join

By joining the Smart Living course, Grade 7 learners will gain practical knowledge of biodiversity, water, energy, and waste; learn through interactive, fun, and real-world activities; visit exciting sites and meet environmental experts; build teamwork and presentation skills; and become empowered to take real action for a sustainable future.

The Smart Living course is an unforgettable experience for learners who want to understand their world better and play an active role in protecting it. With interactive sessions, site visits, and teamwork at its core, this course transforms big ideas into practical action.

Don’t miss this opportunity to become a smart living champion, helping to build a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable city for us all.