KNYSNA NEWS - Oakhill School has celebrated a strong debut at the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Provincial Championships in Gqeberha, as two teams took first place and qualified for the national championships in Pretoria next month.
The WRO is an international robotics competition in which learners design, build and programme autonomous robots to tackle technical challenges.
Oakhill was represented by three teams at its first provincial competition, guided by IT integrator Amy Dey.
Grade Six learners Rafferty Hunt and Lawrence Allan, competing as the BOT-Tanicals in the explorer lite category, secured first place in a thrilling finish, earning the points they needed with just two minutes remaining.
In the RoboMission Elementary category, Grade Five learners Liam Fogerty and Braeden Duffy of TheC@pyBOTr@s also claimed first place after demonstrating determination and perseverance throughout the competition.
Grade Nine learners Johan Hardick and Jayden Reid, competing as the Robusters, finished an impressive second in the same category after pushing their robot through to the final seconds.
The BOT-Tanicals and TheC@pyBOTr@s have now qualified to represent Oakhill at the WRO National Championships in Pretoria on September 11 and 12.
The success reflects Oakhill's growing focus on technology, problem-solving and practical innovation across the school. Learners are introduced to digital tools and coding from the junior grades, and projects range from AI-assisted creative work and computer game design to scientific research and engineering challenges.
In the senior grades, the learners tackle increasingly complex projects, including Rube Goldberg machines powered by micro and smart sustainable homes combining architectural design, coding and environmental research.
As a Google Chromebook school, Oakhill says technology is used to enhance teaching and learning while developing creativity, critical thinking, communication and adaptability. The school's robotics success, however, highlights the value of taking those skills beyond the classroom and putting them to the test in a competitive environment.
Oakhill congratulated all three teams and wished Rafferty, Lawrence, Liam and Braeden well as they prepare to represent the school at the national championships.
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