Seven pupils from Carnarvon High School are flying the South African flag high as they represent the county at an international robotics competition that is taking place in Morocco from May 18 to May 20.
SEVEN pupils from Carnarvon High School are flying the South African flag high as they represent the county at the ‘For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (First) Lego League’ robotics competition that is taking place in Morocco from May 18 to May 20.
The group of Northern Cape pupils managed to come out on top during the national robotics competition that took place in November last year, where they had to face off against more than 60 schools from across the country.
The head of department for Mathematics and Science at Carnarvon High School, Jeanine Mathison, explained that as part of the national competition, pupils had to create a robot that would be able to successfully complete different tasks.
“The learners built their robot in two weeks. They had three prototypes that they tested and improved before settling on the one they took to the national competition,” said Mathison.
She added that the school is not a newcomer when it comes to competing internationally in robotics competitions.
“In 2019 we had learners who went to Uruguay and Brazil to compete in the robotics competition. In 2021, there was again a team from our school that was supposed to travel to Greece and Japan to also compete in the robotics competitions, but were unable to do so due to Covid-19.”
Mathison said the competition not only unlocks a passion for mathematics and science in pupils, but also teaches them how they might solve the challenges faced by the country.
“The learners are not only taught how to programme a robot, but they are also taught how to come up with possible solutions to the energy crisis the country is currently facing.
“This is also a wonderful and exciting opportunity for the learners as they get to compete with other learners from across the world. They get to be challenged on a deeper level. We are elated about the exposure and the teaching our learners will be receiving and the knowledge they will be showcasing to the world.”
The head of the Northern Cape Department of Education, Moira Marais, wished the pupils the best of luck for the competition.
“We are very proud of the learners and educators who will be representing the country in the International First Lego League,” said Marais.
“We want to applaud the school principals and educators for grabbing the opportunity to unlock a passion and interest in robotics as a subject in schools after the introduction of the subject by the department.
“As all our efforts are geared towards a modern, growing and successful Province, the department will do everything in its power to address both the participation rate and under-performance in mathematics and physical science by providing strong foundational skills.”
Marais added that it was a team effort that resulted in the great success of the pupils.
“We also appreciate the efforts of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), who from the outset has been encouraging learners to be involved in mathematics and physics. The SKA has given tremendous support to the learners in that area. The parents and community members are also commended for showing support to the learners in order for them to unlock their potential.
“We commend the learners who have already made us tremendously proud, for showing tenacity and courage during the competition.”
The seven pupils are Almay van Wyk (Grade 10), Shamira Slaverse (Grade 10), Winetro Lottering (Grade 10), Revan de Wee (Grade 10), Azalia Olivier (Grade 10), Cadi Jann (Grade 9) and Tylor Mouers (Grade 9).
