Robotics

Pedare Robotics

Embedded within the curriculum and offered as an extra-curricular program, students design, build and code robots while developing teamwork, problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Through hands-on learning, students gain practical experience that supports pathways into engineering, computer science and emerging technology fields.

Pedare has a strong reputation within the South Australian robotics community for its involvement in competitive VEX Robotics, the world’s largest Robotics competition. Since pioneering the state’s first VEX Robotics competition in 2018, the College has continued to host competitions and support schools and educators across the state. Pedare Robotics students have represented our College with pride and distinction at State, National and World championships.

Robotics in the Curriculum

Within the Technologies curriculum, Robotics is embedded as part of our learning program from Reception to Year 12.

Students from Reception to Year 2 are introduced to computational language and foundational logic using physical coding cards and robots.

From Year 3 through to Year 8, students progress their programming skills, smoothly transitioning from visual block-based coding to text-based script coding using Python.

In the Senior School (Years 9-12), Pedare offers a Robotics and Electronics pathway that equips students with advanced skills, preparing them for careers in diverse STEM disciplines post-school.

VEX Robotics Extra-Curricular and Competitions

The Pedare VEX Robotics Competition extra-curricular program is one of the largest programs in robotics offered in South Australia, open to students from Years 4-12.

VEX Robotics Competitions are more than just building a robot and programming it! Students come together after school to share their passion for robotics, working collaboratively to build both autonomous and remote-controlled robots.

• The Challenge: Students work in teams to design and build a new robot each year, competing in a fresh game challenge announced at the start of Term 2.
• The Journey: Teams attend local tournaments across South Australia to qualify for the State Championships, aiming for a spot at the Australian National Championship, held in a different capital city each year. High-performing teams earn the opportunity to represent Pedare on the world stage at international events.
• Real-World Skills: Students document their entire design process in professional engineering notebooks and during tournaments, teams participate in 10-minute interviews with visiting industry professionals to articulate their work and reflect on the design processes they undertook.

Awards & Achievements:

Competing since the very inception of VEX Robotics in South Australia, Pedare teams have established a legacy of excellence, securing numerous local, State, and National awards, including a prestigious, judged World Championship Award.

STEM Industry Connections

As a VEX Robotics Competition host school, Pedare connects students directly with industry professionals in leading technology and engineering sectors. Since 2018, industry professionals have volunteered as guest judges, interviewing teams and deliberating on their engineering notebooks.

These established connections extend beyond competition days, providing our students benefits across various learning areas, opening opportunities like offsite industry visits, class presentations, and digital apprenticeship and scholarship programs post-school.

We thank all our generous volunteer judges and give a special thank you to the following companies which have regularly provided time for employees to participate in our competitions:

• Automated Solutions Australia
• SAGE Automation
• DXC Technology
• Raytheon Australia
• Minelab Electronics
• Kintrak
• Defence Science and Technology Group
• Redarc Electronics
• Trotec Lasers