Laois schools qualify for national finals of exciting robotics competition
Students to travel to Cork in bid to secure place to represent Ireland
In a first for Laois, six local schools have qualified for the national finals of an exciting robotics competition and will travel to Cork next week to compete with 22 other teams from around Ireland.
The students will travel to the rebel county on February 26 and 27 to take part in the National Finals of the VEX IQ Robotics Competition in the hope of securing a spot to represent Ireland at the World VEX IQ Championships in Texas in early May.
Coláiste Íosagáin, Portarlington; Dunamase College, Portlaoise; Mountrath Community School will all take part in the Junior Cycle Competition on Wednesday February 26.
Emo National School; Paddock National School; Pike of Rushall National School will take part in the Primary Schools Competition on Thursday, February 27.
VEX IQ is a programme administered in Laois by Laois County Council in conjunction with Midlands Ireland with funding from the European Union Just Transition Fund. Under the “Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan Pathway to Transition” programme, 27 primary and 10 secondary schools to date have received a VEX IQ Robotics Kit and Rapid Relay Competition Kit courtesy of Laois County Council’s Broadband section.
Schools came together at two Regional Competitions to compete for a place in Cork: the Junior Cycle in Mountrath Community School on January 22; and the Primary Schools in Ballyroan National School on February 5. Three teams from each event qualified to take part at the National Finals.
Why VEX and what is ‘digitalization’?
PICTURED: Seanie Morris, Laois STEM Engagement Officer with students.
“If students like what they do, then it is hoped they will retain subjects of study throughout their school life and choose a similar career path”, says Antoinette.
PICTURED: Laois County Council CEO Michael Rainey, Antoinette Brennan, Cllr Barry Walsh and Seanie Morris.
Speaking recently at the Primary Schools Regional Competition Final, Laois Cathaoirleach, Councillor Padraig Fleming spoke about the value in taking part in the VEX IQ Robotics programme.
“Events like these are designed to encourage students develop an interest in STEM. It is hoped they will find a passion for areas of study that offer career progression in computer science, coding, robotics, ICT, engineering and the sciences. Laois needs people with these skills today and in the future.
Pictured: Students from Rushall NS and the Paddock NS, Teamwork Winner.
Cllr. Fleming also acknowledged the impact the new Midlands Pathway Plan has for Laois and its nearby partners.
“In addition to supporting economic development, this Midlands Pathway Plan places a heavy emphasis on education and future skills. With an expansion of regional STEM education programmes like today's competition that is delivered to all primary and secondary schools across the midlands, the programme will also support investment in digitalisation and equipment for schools.”