Laois schools qualify for national finals of exciting robotics competition

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.

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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’?

The programme’s aim is to get students interested in robotics and STEM-related activities like science, engineering, coding, math, technology and computer science as well as teamwork collaboration and training. Schools create teams to build, test and code their robot. Initial contact and ongoing support has been possible thanks to the efforts of Antoinette Brennan, Laois Broadband Officer and Seanie Morris, Laois STEM Engagement Officer.

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.

“Laois needs skilled people in computer science, engineering, coding and robotics, today and into the future. These 21st century skills are what is needed to create sustainable and equitable jobs that will support a growing workforce and enhance a work-life balance in Laois.”

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.

“This growth will help Laois become more skilled, more sustainable and offers a better quality of life in our communities, especially in retaining rural populations.”

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.”

The standard of participation from all schools this year has been exceptional, and all teachers, students and their families are commended for the hard work they have shown throughout their robotics journey.