Robotics program a hit with students

Onslow School students have been sharpening their skills in coding and digital literacy with a specialist robotics program this year.

Since term 2, Scitech, supported by Chevron, has been working to introduce primary and high school students and teachers to Scratch coding and mBots to give them a real-world understanding of the technology poised to change the workforce in the future.

Principal Jacqi Barry said the school had jumped at the opportunity to do hands-on work with robots when it had come up during discussions with Chevron.

“It’s been a process of Scitech coming down (each term), spending time with the kids and the classroom teachers, and leaving the robots with us and the kids were able to... practice the skills they’d be taught to utilise the robots,” she said.

She said the program’s structure meant children had the chance to quickly develop their skills by learning firsthand what worked and what didn’t through trial and error doing a lot for their confidence with technology.

Students’ achievements were showcased to their peers, parents, teachers and the community at a social Robot Roundup event at the school last month.

Students programmed robots to move according to coded co-ordinates and utilised sensors, flashlights and play sounds.

Scitech special projects co-ordinator Saskia Scott said learning coding and robotics was an important way to prepare children for the future.

“We need to ensure the children of today have the skills they will need for tomorrow,” she said.

“Being digitally literate enables them to become creators of the technology that is now part of their lives instead of just consumers of it.”

Ms Barry said Onslow School would like to continue or expand its robotics program next year.