Page 7 - Education Supplement February 2025

Aitchison shares, “Robotics isn’t about
memorising steps; it’s about helping students
think independently and creatively, preparing
them to work in industries that don’t even
exist yet.”

Including robotics also provides students in
under-resourced areas access to tools that
might otherwise remain out of reach. Programs
supported by partnerships with private
organisations ensure that students in rural and
underserved communities can engage with the
same learning opportunities as their peers in
better-resourced schools. Practical Benefits and Real-World Applications
Robotics brings learning to life by linking classroom knowledge to real-world
Teamwork and Communication challenges. Students can develop robots to address practical problems,
Through Robotics from designing assistive tools for people with disabilities to exploring
Robotics is a collaborative experience. From environmental monitoring solutions. This connection between learning and
brainstorming solutions to building machines application encourages curiosity and inspires students to think about the
and writing programs, students work in teams impact they can make.
that require them to communicate effectively
and value different perspectives. Competitions Virtual robotics programs have also expanded access, allowing students
like the World Robot Olympiad allow students to engage with coding and design even if they don’t have physical robots.
to apply their skills while building a sense of These platforms open the door for students in remote areas to explore and
camaraderie and achievement. experiment, creating an inclusive approach to technological education.

“These projects teach students to work Building Resilience Through Practice
together, combining their ideas and strengths to Robotics teaches students that failure isn’t the end — it’s part of the process.
solve problems as a group,” says Aitchison. “It’s a The process encourages persistence and adaptability, whether debugging
powerful way to learn how to communicate and code, reworking a design, or solving a problem from a new angle. These
respect one another’s contributions.” qualities serve students in all areas of life long after they leave the classroom.

The teamwork inherent in robotics also Parents and educators increasingly recognise that robotics is more than an
prepares students for the collaborative nature academic subject. It’s a way to prepare students for future challenges while
of many workplaces. Beyond the technical, building confidence and independence. By turning problems into opportunities
it’s an opportunity to build leadership and for growth, robotics empowers young people to approach life with a problem-
interpersonal skills. solving mindset.
The Path Ahead
South Africa’s move to include robotics and coding in
schools is about more than keeping up with technological
trends. It’s about giving students the tools to shape their
own futures. As more schools adopt these programs and
partnerships expand access to resources, the impact of
robotics in education is set to grow, providing students
with skills that will last a lifetime.

About Education Incorporated
Education Incorporated, located in Fourways,
Johannesburg, is an independent private school
offering a unique, personalised educational approach.
Catering to students from grades 4 to 12, Education
Incorporated focuses on small class sizes, individual
attention, and a curriculum that balances academic
excellence with emotional intelligence, critical
thinking, and creativity.
For more information, visit our website.

Education | February 2025 | 5