Info Competitions Classes

What to Expect From Competition Classes?

VEX competition programmes are different from our other courses. Students work in teams to design, build and code a robot and participate in local and regional competitions throughout the season. This experience is very rewarding, but it also requires commitment, perseverance and time.

Is This the Right Programme For You?

The competition programme is not for everyone. This page will help you decide whether this course is the best fit for your child – and for you too, as it requires a significant level of parental involvement.  Do you believe it might not quite be the right choice?  There are other courses available! Please check out Robotics Classes Level 2 or the Makers Club.

motivated participants

Students should demonstrate the ability to:

  • Work as part of a team, listen to others and share their ideas with other team members
  • Build robots and various mechanisms and understand how they work
  • Understand and use sensors
  • Have solid foundation in programming
  • Document their progress
  • Take responsibility for their work and decisions
  • Reflect on their work and strive to improve
  • Work to a tight deadline
  • Prioritise the team’s success over their own

team work

Robotics competitions are team projects. There are 3 to 5 members on a team. Each team member plays an important role and contributes to the group’s success. Participants learn to communicate, share their ideas, make decisions together and, at times, reach compromises to move the project forward.

There are several roles within a team: builder, programmer, pilot, note-keeper… Each member will have their own preferences and will specialise in one or two areas.

A PROJECT SPANNING AN ENTIRE SEASON

Every year, a new challenge is unveiled. Teams must then decide on a strategy, design and build a robot, programme it and iterate over the course of several months.

A robot is never perfect the first time round. Participants learn to test, analyse and make continuous improvements to their project.

time commitment

Robotics competitions require commitment beyond the usual class hours, whether to take part in events or to spend more time working on the robot.

We organise a few bootcamps during the year (Sunday sessions from 10:00 to 16:00). 

Several scrimmages or friendly competitions (in Belgium or across Europe) are also organised throughout the year. These give teams the chance to test their robots and strategies ahead of the championship.

We also encourage participants to come to the club outside of their school hours. Please note that a coach may not always be available at these times. Teams will therefore need to be able to work independently.

Parent Involvement

Robotics competitions also involve a commitment from families. Parents play an important role in supporting participants throughout the season.

This can mean spending extra time travelling to training sessions, boot camps or various events. Taking part in official competitions can also involve additional costs (entry fees, travel, accommodation, etc.).

Students often need encouragement when a project isn’t progressing as planned. Parental support goes a long way towards keeping them motivated and helping them persevere.

A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE

Competitions enable young people to develop their independence, self-confidence, ability to solve complex problems and ability to work as part of a team. The skills they acquire will serve them well beyond the world of robotics.

What You Need to Know

No guaranteed rewards

We cannot guarantee any trophies, high rankings or honours. Awards are earned through the hard work and teams performance in competitions, not simply by enrolling in the programme.

A real challenge

The VEX IQ and VEX V5 competitions are challenging. Participants will face difficulties, technical setbacks and competitive opponents. This is an integral part of the learning experience.

Learning over winning

Our priority is to develop skills, independence and perseverance, rather than striving for victory at any cost. Young people who focus on their learning generally make faster progress in the long term.

A significant investment

Our coaches provide their expertise, support and advice, but the results depend on how the participants put what they learn into practice. We can guide them, but we cannot do the work for them.  VEX competition programmes are student-led and any direct involvement of adults in design, building or coding is a violation of the rules.  

Your Commitment

Weekly classes

Those enrolled must attend regularly and arrive prepared to work and make progress.

Preparing for competitions

Things are picking up pace as the competitions draw nearer. This may involve taking part in a bootcamp or coming to the club on your own to work on the robot or the strategy.

Travel to events

Competitions involve travelling to various locations around the country. Families need to plan around these days.

Parental involvement

Parents play a supportive role: providing transport, encouragement and help in managing the pupils’ commitments. Supervision and coaching are provided by the team.

Additional costs may also arise (optional international competitions, travel expenses, etc.)

In Summary

This programme is for:

  • Students with a genuine interest in robotics, engineering and technology.

  • Families willing to commit to a full season of competition.

  • Students who enjoy taking on challenges and who do not get discouraged when faced with difficulties.

  • Participants who wish to develop real skills through a practical and hands-on approach.

This programme is not for:

  • Families looking for a light extracurricular activity.  We offer other courses that are better suited to this!
  • Participants who enrol solely with the aim of winning prizes or gaining recognition in competitions.
  • Participants who give up as soon as they encounter a difficulty.
  • Families who cannot commit to the programme’s timetable and requirements.

Questions?

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