We recently hosted the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Western Cape South regional competition, which integrates science, technology, education, and robotics. This year's two-day event brought together a record-breaking 330 students, including 15 teams from our school. Our robotics teams excelled, securing 1st and 3rd place in the Explorer Prime category and 2nd place in the Robo Mission Senior category. We are proud that two of our teams - Roboboys (Raynen B. and Gideon M.), and the Falcons (Mayizole N., Iyaaz S., and Nathan J.) - have qualified for the national competition.
From coding, robotics, app design, and e-gaming to basic and comprehensive computer skills, our school ensures that students develop a solid foundation in ICT that enhances their academic performance and prepares them for future careers. Raynen B. and Gideon M., two Grade 6 students from Manenberg, who took first place in their category, have ambitious career goals. Raynen dreams of becoming an architect, while Gideon aspires to be an engineer.
We were honoured to have David Piazza, Managing Director, Systematic Active Equities at BlackRock, as our keynote speaker. He highlighted the various career opportunities available through the skills the students have gained in robotics and the transformative potential these skills have in shaping their futures. David comments, "It was a privilege to visit Christel House SA and witness the excitement and engagement at the event firsthand. These robotics students are learning so much more than just the specifics of robot building. They are also developing essential life skills such as teamwork, creativity, logical reasoning, and project management. These skills are invaluable not just for tech careers but for any path they choose."
Mr Cedric Esterhuizen, our Head of ICT in High School and Chairperson of the World Robot Olympiad Western Cape South adds, "At Christel House South Africa, we are dedicated to closing the digital divide for our students who navigate extreme poverty and social challenges. By providing access to technology and fostering digital inclusion, we aim to ensure that every student, regardless of their background, can reach their full potential and excel in today’s digital world."
We wish our robotics teams well for the national competition in Gauteng this September. Success there could pave the way for them to compete at the WRO international tournament in Turkey.