For the second consecutive year, the BHS team 4067X with Nathma Kalubovilage Don (Last year Y13), Alex Cuthford, Alex Rickard and Carol Khor had a very successful competition. They won the prestigious Design Award for their outstanding use of the design process and was second in the robot skills section.

The official wording for this trophy is: " The Design Award is presented to a team that demonstrates an organized and professional approach to the design process, project and time management, and team organization. The team’s Engineering Notebook and Judges interview will demonstrate the team’s ability to produce a quality robot with minimal adult assistance."

In some respects we were very fortunate to attend the National event. Due to Covid-19 and the various lockdowns in Auckland, the first three months of the year was not an easy time for us. Fortunately, in the end we were able to change the Vex Robotics Nationals to a Series held both in Auckland and Christchurch. This was a result of the huge growth we are experiencing in the Canterbury region. It gave the Canterbury competitors the chance to compete as we have decided, after two postponements, and the risks involved, not to go to Auckland. We did have teams from the North Island competing here as well.

The BHS Robotics Club are doing very well with 30 active members. They are  able to develop their skills and understanding in various STEM related areas such as programming, team work, mechanical design, building, driver control, web design(with their own website), photography and the list goes on as well as leadership. The club are self-managing through the club leaders with the support of Mrs. Dunn. This cross-curricular environment is very competitive and although the gear is expensive we are really fortunate that we got sponsorships from Tait Communications Ltd and the Burnside High School PTA over the years. Most of the Robotics students move onto Technology careers including Mechatronics and Software Engineering. New Zealand and the World need those people, so the investment is well worth it.