Knysna Secondary comes second in WRO Lego Robotics

KNYSNA - The Knysna Secondary School robotics team made their school proud by taking second place at the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) SA tournament held at Kingswood College in Makhanda on 5 August. The Percy Mdala High School robotics team participated in the tournament as well.

The Knysna Secondary School team, led by teachers Heinrich Filander and Wilbur Gezza, were Densha de Wee, Keyhayla Marais, Abidan Williams and Levin Pasja.

The participating learners from Percy Mdala High School were Asimbonge Mbanjwa, Lilitha Stuurman, Lulutho Stuurman, Yamkela Ntakumba and Unam Moya.

Their work was supervised by teachers Fezile Madikizela and Owen Jeti. Additionally, Lego Robotics instructor Phumela Mankeya at Percy Mdala High and Yulin Davids at Knysna Secondary provided specialised expertise to enhance students' learning experience.

The WRO SA tournament was held at Kingswood College.

Involvement through Kilt

The Knysna Initiative for Learning and Teaching's (Kilt) e-Learning Lego Robotics Club has helped in facilitating school participation in important tournaments such as the WRO.

The Lego Robotics Programme has been introduced to a few Knysna schools thanks to Kilt's collaboration with Edunova, providing a platform for kids to interact with science, technology, engineering and mathematics education in a creative and future-focused approach.

Kilt has facilitated school participation by providing access to robotics equipment, comprehensive learning materials, and hands-on training by their team of IT Enablers.

Through its e-learning programme, Kilt has opened up robotics instruction to all students, allowing schools in underdeveloped or inaccessible areas to take part.

Due to the rise in interest and involvement in robotics, Knysna schools are utilising Lego Robotics and making significant contributions to events like WRO, producing outstanding outcomes.

Through its e-learning programme, Kilt has opened up robotics instruction to all students, allowing schools in underdeveloped or inaccessible areas to take part.

Fun with Lego

The Percy Mdala team who participated in the WRO tournament sang the praises of Lego bricks.

"With a bucket of Lego, you can tell any story. You can build an aeroplane, dragon or a pirate ship - whatever you can imagine," they said.

"One of the reasons we love using Lego bricks is because it makes the art very relatable and accessible; folk can connect with the art almost on a different level because they have played with it or their kids have played with it. We were sceptical that we wouldn't make it to Makhanda due to the [provincial taxi] strike, but in the end we went. It was such a great experience, we connected with new people and made friends. The venue was breathtaking and they had great hospitality. To us, teamwork is a virtue."

Through its e-learning programme, Kilt has opened up robotics instruction to all students, allowing schools in underdeveloped or inaccessible areas to take part.