Globeducate France Robotics Challenge Promotes STEAM Learning

The second annual Robotics Challenge organised by Globeducate France took place on 9 May 2023 at Collège EIB Monceau in Paris and saw 100 students take part – all coveting the event trophy.

Almost all Globeducate schools in France participated in this competition, including EIB Monceau Primary, EIB Monceau College, EIB de La Jonchère, EIB Grenelle, EIB Etoile High School, EIB Lamartine, Hattemer Bilingue, ICS Côte d'Azur and the International School of Nice (who joined us live online)

The event was organised to promote the development of STEAM learning in Globeducate schools in France, a cross-curricular project-based approach that integrates the teaching of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. 

The aim was to explore concept-rich activities to establish links between different subjects and, most importantly, to use them to solve problems and work in teams using games to enhance learning.

During this popular event, now a regular on the Globeducate calendar, students were able to put into practice the robotics and coding lessons they had studied in class or extra-curricular clubs, using LEGO Spike ™ Prime resources. Through hands-on projects such as this, students are challenged to solve problems based on real-life scenarios, which fosters motivation and encourages creativity, teamwork and sharing.

The participants had to program and assemble their robot by following missions with stages of increasing difficulty throughout the day. The competition mat represented a rugby field and the robot had to follow a course made up of cylinders and squares representing rugby posts, and get around the obstacles. The students used a tablet to code their robots´ missions, with between 1.5 and 2 hours to explore, program and be evaluated by a referee.

The competition ended with a celebratory prize-giving ceremony, where the first three teams of each level (primary, secondary and high school) were rewarded for their work.

One of the events key organisers, Boris Maloberti, Digital Project Manager and Technology Teacher at Collège Monceau, Paris, said:

As machines and programmed objects become ubiquitous in our daily lives, it is crucial for future generations to understand how they work, and this is precisely where robotics and coding play a key role.

Every day, new professions emerge that are closely linked to programming and robotics. Technological advances will radically change the jobs of the future. To meet the needs of the employment market, the integration of STEAM activities is essential to develop the necessary skills in future generations. In our schools, we are therefore proud to be able to train the next generation of innovators who will shape the future of technology. With these skills, our students can change the world.

Congratulations to all our students for their outstanding performance in this competition. Teachers present at the event commented on the impressive level of work and collaboration - they rose to the challenge with flying colours and were able to express their full potential, individually and in teams. Their teamwork and creativity were a real factor in their success.

Boris Maloberti continued:

We encourage them to continue their commitment to innovative practical projects throughout their school careers. They are pioneers of a new digital age and we look forward to seeing their achievements in the future. This second edition was a success. See you next year for another exciting challenge!”