Talfalah Primary School walked away as the winners of this year’s World Robot Olympiad.
Four schools competed in the annual competition, held at Goodwood College on Saturday September 18. Twelve pupils from Talfalah Primary School in Manenberg took part and were divided into three teams.
The teams practised for the competition both at school and at Silverlea Primary School, which has a robotics lab.
During the competition, each team had to build a wheeled robot that could move and scoop up things. They had to measure the distance on the floor plan, create coding and enter that into a laptop.
Talfalah Primary School Grade 5 teacher Lameez Gabier said that the competition exposed pupils to various forms of technology, broadened their minds and created opportunities.
Principal Ashraf Karriem said he was very proud of his pupils. The experience had opened doors for those wanting to pursue a career in robotics.
“The pupils were so excited to partake in the competition, and they worked so hard although it was not easy. On the one hand, creating robotics is job creation, but it will also end up replacing humans so it’s a two-fold aspect.”
Grade 7 teacher Mishka Patel said it was important for children to learn about technology and how it evolved.
“These types of competitions give them exposure to a different world, broadens their minds and makes them see that there are so many opportunities for them,” she said.
Grade 7 pupil Taahir Fick, 12, said he had enjoyed working with his teammates and building Lego. In his team, he had to create the coding for the robot.
“It was challenging, but I enjoyed it. I just kept telling myself that I needed to focus and that this will help me and benefit my future,” he said.
Grade 7 pupil Zenande Mnukwa, 13, said she had enjoyed the competition because her favourite subject was maths.