Our Year 9 students have been applying their developing Python programming skills and learning about Robotics and Autonomous Systems using LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 kits. Extending students from the well-known ‘block programming’ methods typically used with LEGO Robotics, LEGO has recently released the ability to program with MicroPython which has presented our students the opportunity to learn a useful object-oriented programming language which can be used not only in the context of robotics here at school but in many other endeavours into the future.

Year 9 Technologies teacher Nathan Beveridge says, “the need for students to engage with computational thinking and programming is a priority for teachers addressing the requirements of Australian Curriculum – Technologies." He also believes teachers must prepare students for jobs of the future and to be active citizens in a world in which robotics and automated systems feature across many aspects of day-to-day life and work.

In 2015 the Committee for Economic Development of Australia released data indicating there is high probability that 40 per cent of Australia’s workforce, more than five million people, could be replaced by automation within the next 10 to 20 years…that was five years ago. Australian Government research also suggests around 70% of young Australians get their start in the world of work in occupations that will be highly affected by automation. 

“Not everybody needs to become a programmer or roboticist,” says Nathan. “However, preparing students with fundamental knowledge and skills in computer science, problem solving, design thinking and engineering skills along with an understanding of the possibilities of STEM careers and tertiary study is, in my view, vital for preparing our students for a future in a post-industrial age.”

A special thank you to our Parents & Friends Committee helping to organise these amazing educational STEM kits, this has been an invaluable contribution for our students in the classroom and also in helping them to prepare for their future.

Fulfil your potential and take advantage of all the amazing opportunities St Peters Springfield have on offer. 

Be part of our supportive St Peters Springfield community and contact enrolment by email s.enolments@stpeters.qld.edu.au or call 3470 3888