Robots to help Bluff School students learn vital skills for the future

A $5,000 donation to the school by Mobil has enabled it to buy 10 Blue-bot robots and 12 Spheros robots, which will become a hands-on extension to the school’s current programming curriculum.

Mobil’s Bluff Terminal manager, David Valentine, says the donations are part of Mobil’s ongoing support of innovative technology in Bluff’s schools, including previous donations to Bluff School and nearby St Theresa's School.

“Mobil recognises the importance of introducing technology early in education,” he says. “Science and maths knowledge and comprehension are crucial in an increasingly digitised world, no matter what field you work in.”

“Coding and programming knowledge will genuinely give these children a head-start in whatever career they eventually choose to pursue, and these user-friendly robots are a great way to kindle their interest.”

Bluff School principal Alison Cook agrees, and says that teaching code is about more than vocational training for future programmers.

“We are really excited about this new project for our kids,” she says. “Robotics is a fantastic way for our students to learn more about the practical applications of coding. We will also be using the robots as a tool to help teach wider literacy and numeracy throughout the school, and other skills such as logic and problem solving.”

Mr Valentine says offering a clear educational pathway was reflective of Bluff School’s wider acknowledgement of the importance of incorporating science and maths into the primary school curriculum.

"As an organisation, Mobil wants to help nurture what will become vital skills for future generations, and it’s inspiring to be able to help a school that shares that goal.”