Woodhill College in Pretoria east is celebrating the outstanding achievements of its two robotics teams at the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) National Robotics Event.
The school is also recognised as a leader in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education by hosting the WRO Gauteng Regional competition on August 3.
The two teams will again compete in the national competition at Curro Aurora in Randburg from September 13-14.
Marketing director Tanya Checkley believes that the teams’ impressive performances have solidified the school’s reputation as a leader in STEM education.
Checkley said members of Team 1 are Catherine Hobbs (Grade 5) and Travis Pinto (Grade 6).
She explained that Team 1 excelled in the Explorer Lite category securing 43rd place out of 132 teams and ranking in the top 50 nationwide.
“Team 2 are Mark Jordan and Luke Coetzee (both in Grade 7), competed in the Robo Mission Junior category,” said Checley.
Checkley said they demonstrated remarkable problem-solving skills in this category, finishing 76th out of 200 teams.
She added that Jordan and Coetzee were also ranked in the top 50 in the country.
“The achievements are a testament to Woodhill College’s comprehensive coding and robotics curriculum, established in 2013,” she said.
The WRO Gauteng Regional competition had 110 teams and 276 learners from across the province competing for a spot in the national finals.
According to Danie Haymans, national organiser of WRO South Africa, the World Robotics Olympiad is not just a competition but a catalyst for inspiring youth and closing the skills gap in the region and South Africa at large.
He said the competition aims to promote robotics in STEM education worldwide, with categories including RoboMission, Robosports, Future Innovators, and Future Engineers.
“Winners from the national competition will represent South Africa at the International Finals in Izmir, Turkey, on November 28 and 30,” said Haymans.
“Woodhill College’s success in the robotics competition underscores the school’s commitment to fostering innovation, problem-solving skills, and collaboration among its learners,” he added.
Haymans stated that as the digital revolution accelerates, the importance of STEM education has never been more critical and that Woodhill College is leading the way.
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