Between 16 and 18 January, the LEH Foshan VEX Robotics Team participated in the Shenzhen VEX Robotics Competition. This was their first full regional event. With very limited competition experience, our two teams placed 15th and 16th in terms of match points out of 50 teams across South China.
Beyond the scores, students gained first-hand experience of competition strategy, teamwork, and problem-solving under pressure. The weekend required focus, resilience, and long hours of preparation. The commitment shown outside normal lesson time reflects the seriousness with which students approached the event.
At LEH Foshan, Robotics is a core strand of the KS1–3 Computer Science curriculum. The VEX programme is coordinated by Mr Lewis, Computer Science Coordinator, as part of the school’s Computer Science strategy and supported by Mr Stone, STEM Coordinator. Robotics is embedded through structured progression in curriculum lessons, with competitive teams providing an extended pathway for students who demonstrate commitment and enthusiasm.
About VEX Robotics Programme
The VEX Robotics programme develops computational thinking, algorithmic logic, engineering design, structured problem-solving, and collaborative working. During official competitions, teachers are not permitted to intervene. Students must analyse performance, adapt code, redesign mechanisms, and respond to changing match conditions independently. This student-led structure develops leadership, accountability, and critical thinking alongside technical skill.
Robotics is embedded from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 3. Students progress through age-appropriate platforms: VEX 1-2-3 in Key Stage 1, VEX GO in Key Stage 2, and VEX IQ in Key Stage 3. Through these platforms, students explore inputs and outputs, sensors, motors, loops, conditionals, mechanical systems, and the engineering design process. These concepts directly support progression into GCSE and A-level Computer Science and related technical pathways.
Competitive teams are selective. Students apply with evidence of sustained interest and positive engagement in Computer Science. Selection is based on attitude, work ethic, and collaborative skills rather than prior experience. Team members commit to consistent preparation across the year, including development of engineering notebooks, strategy planning, and interview readiness.
Students develop engineering design skills, structured programming ability, strategic thinking, documentation skills, and technical communication. They also strengthen transferable skills such as teamwork, leadership, time management, and analytical reasoning. The requirement to justify design decisions in competition interviews develops clarity of thought and confidence in technical explanation.
Robotics complements the wider Computer Science curriculum by applying abstract concepts in practical contexts. Students move from understanding algorithms in theory to implementing them in physical systems. They experience debugging not just in code, but in mechanical builds, testing cycles, and iterative improvement.
Currently, LEH Foshan has two established competitive teams. We aim to expand to four or five teams next year, subject to student commitment and capacity. We also plan to open a Key Stage 4 pathway through VEX V5 and VEX AIR (drones), allowing students to continue developing advanced programming, mechanical design, and systems thinking.
For students considering applying, Mr Lewis advises:
Computer Science Coordinator
Robotics rewards curiosity, resilience, and collaboration. Prior experience is helpful but not essential. What matters most is a willingness to think carefully, work consistently, and contribute positively to a team.
The VEX Robotics programme reflects LEH Foshan’s commitment to holistic education through rigorous, applied Computer Science. By combining technical depth with collaborative challenge, the programme enables students to experience how logical thinking, engineering design, and teamwork operate together in real-world contexts.
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