Embracing Diversity: A Journey through Primary School DEI at ISL
This past April, the VEX Robotics teams from the International School of Lausanne made a significant mark on the global stage at the 2024 World Championship in Dallas, Texas. The event, a gathering of over 800 teams from countries from all over the world ranging from Vietnam to the Ivory Coast, provided an unmatched arena for our students to showcase their skills and learn from the best.
The Five Rings Robotics club has come a long way since its creation, led by Anjali (Year 13) and Saisha (Year 13), with invaluable support from Mr. Turland (Teacher of Computer Science and Digital Design). After a strong performance at the Swiss VEX Robotics Finals in Basel earlier in February, where Team A clinched a commendable second place in the skills challenge and Team B advanced to the semi-finals, our teams carried their momentum to Dallas. There, despite stiff competition, Team A, led by team captain Maako, impressively won nearly half of their matches.
While the scoreboard tells a part of the story, the true success of the event was seen in the invaluable experiences our students gained. They had the opportunity to engage with peers from around the world, exchanging ideas and absorbing new programming and engineering techniques. This experience was about more than just competing; it was a profound learning journey that expanded their understanding and appreciation of robotics.
The journey to the World Championship was supported by a dedicated team, including our Year 13 leaders, Anjali and Saisha, and Mr. Turland, their mentor. Their guidance was instrumental in preparing our teams for the challenges of international competition.
As we reflect on our teams’ journey from the Swiss Finals to the World stage, we are filled with pride and optimism for the future. The VEX Robotics programme at our school continues to grow, and we are eager to welcome new members. Students in Years 10 to 12 with a passion for robotics and engineering are encouraged to join this vibrant community.
The next season promises new challenges and opportunities as we prepare for the new High Stakes competition, and we look forward to supporting our teams as they strive for excellence, embodying the spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines the International School of Lausanne. Check out this video preview of next year’s VEX Robotics tournament. It is a fantastic way to see what is in store and to start gearing up for another exhilarating season of robotics competition!
For more information or to join our teams, please contact Mr. Turland. Together, let’s build on this momentum and continue to push the boundaries of what our students can achieve in robotics and beyond.
And the excitement does not end there! For young enthusiasts eager to delve deeper into the world of robotics, we are thrilled to introduce our ‘Robotics and multi-activities’ Junior Camp offered through the ISL Holiday Camps this summer. This exhilarating programme is tailored for individuals aged 13 to 18 and promises a hands-on experience with Thymio robots, serving as a gateway to understanding the intricacies of robotics and artificial intelligence. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to expand your horizons and ignite your passion for robotics!
For more information and registration details, visit ISL Holiday Camps.
Photos gallery of the 2024 VEX Robotics World Championships
