We are delighted to say that even more boys are discovering robotics this year through our Robotics Club.
With even more kits to work, thanks to a generous grant to both Bedford Prep School and Bedford Academy (read more below), more boys are busy learning and combining engineering and coding skills with the expert help of Mrs Dale and Mrs Bowis to build robots – think Lego, but taken to a whole new digital level.
Working in pairs, pupils use motors, gears, modular construction pieces, sensors and more. The VEX IQ system is wonderfully flexible, so every robot can be different.
Indeed, the Robotics Club is so popular that boys need to apply for one of the limited places. Head of Prep Computing, Mrs Dale, explains, “The club is a real hit with our creative and curious boys who love the challenge it offers. As they build their robots, they are learning a whole range of future skills in engineering and coding as well as enhancing their creativity, teamwork, leadership and problem-solving.”
The boys will take their robots, once again, to compete in a Vex IQ Build Day and Competition in Hertfordshire, a competition they enjoyed immensely last year.
This year, they also look forward to competing with Bedford Academy. The new competition came about thanks to generous funding from The Worshipful Company of Founders, who were introduced to the two schools by Bedford Giving. Their funds allowed both schools to purchase VEX IQ robotics systems. Chair of the Education Committee at the Worshipful Company of Founders and a former Head himself, David Kennedy, was keen to support the initiative after seeing first-hand the impact a robotics club can have on pupils, inspiring and helping them develop their confidence and skills at his former school.
Bedford Giving Director Paul Kellett said, “We are so grateful to founding partner The Worshipful Company of Founders, which funded the robotics equipment to enable the schools to run the robotics clubs. The pupils learn so many skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking and teamwork, while nurturing a passion for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics).
About Bedford Giving
Bedford Giving Director Paul Kellet explains, “Bedford Giving is all about people, businesses, organisations, schools and funders coming together to kick start a range of transformational projects to help change the lives of children and young people.
Please visit our website to find out more and how you can get involved. We’re currently looking for businesses to offer work experience placements, as well as runners to support Bedford Giving at Bedford’s Running Festival in September. We would love you to get involved and spread the word to family and friends.”