Robotics, coding lab launched at St Barnabas

PUPILS from St Barnabas School of Specialisation have received a boost in digital skills as a new robotics and coding education centre was launched at the school.

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), in partnership with technology firm Honeywell, opened the centre called the Futureshaper Lab yesterday at St Barnabas School of Specialisation in Mathematics, Science and ICT in Bosmont.

The GDE said the lab would benefit 200 high school pupils a year at the school to help develop digital skills and ignite logical and critical thinking.

According to the GDE, both pupils and educators opting to participate in the programme will learn more Stem and ICT-focused skills in addition to their usual computer literacy education curriculum at the school.

“The programme now includes outcome-focused courses on coding, programming and robotics, as well as ‘coding clubs’, holiday training camps and ‘hack-a-thons’ to maximise learner interactivity and participation.”

Grade 9 pupil Zahra Solomon, who dreams of becoming a mechanic when she’s older, told The Star that she’s loved working with computers since a young age and joined the lab to gain experience working with mechanical parts and spares.

“It’s fun working with the robots and parts, and it’s nice learning new things. I want to be a diesel mechanic when I grow up because I’ve always liked working with cars, like my uncle, who is my inspiration and a diesel mechanic,” Zahra said.

Grade 8 pupil Khutso Phiri said she was very interested in robotics, so when the school called for volunteers for the programme, she did not hesitate.

“Stem, ICT and robotics is the future. There’s going to be a lot more robots and technology, and I’d like to be kept up to date on what’s going on,” she said.

Honeywell Sub-Saharan Africa president Denver Dreyer said as a technology company with a history in South Africa dating back more than 50 years, Honeywell is heavily invested in helping the country expand its pipeline of engineers of the future across its Stem-related sectors.

“Honeywell is right at the forefront of industrial innovation, solving some of the region’s most pressing challenges – from sustainability to security to safety – through ready-now technologies. Honeywell is delighted to sponsor and equip the lab to help provide young people with the skills they need to take these technologies forward in years to come and make the world a smarter, safer and more sustainable place through innovation,” Dreyer said.

Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi said the department was excited about this initiative, which will have a huge impact in improving skills in pupils.

“We believe this Lab is a great addition to our efforts to generate learner interest in Stem subjects which will be beneficial to their career. Let us thank all our partners, including Honeywell, for heeding the call and investing in the education of our learners,” said Lesufi.

Meanwhile, the department added that the programme is part of a wider initiative to develop “Schools of Specialisations” that address the mismatch between the skills with which pupils exit the education system, and they meet the current need for expanded learning opportunities within the system.