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St Mary Coptic Orthodox College

Robotics

St Mary’s Coptic Orthodox College (SMCO) offers a robotics program teaching coding, engineering, and hands-on skills.

Robots for Years 7 and 8

LEGO EV3 Mindstorm
In Year 7, students explore coding and creativity with the LEGO EV3 Mindstorm. Hand-assembled and programmable, these robots nurture problem-solving, perseverance, and teamwork, helping students bring their ideas to life through faith-guided learning and discovery.

Sphero SPRK+
Year 8 students engage with the Sphero SPRK+, a programmable robot that blends fun with critical thinking. Across subjects, they practise coding, coordination, and creativity, strengthening confidence and curiosity through hands-on, faith-inspired exploration.

Robots for Years 9 and 10

VEX IQ
In Year 9, students advance their STEM learning with the VEX IQ. Stronger and more versatile than LEGO builds, these hand-assembled robots expand creativity, coding ability, and engineering understanding, inspiring students to innovate through guided, faith-based discovery.
VEX V5
Our Year 10 students explore real-world engineering with the VEX V5, a powerful aluminium-based robot requiring tools and precision. Through hands-on assembly, teamwork, and faith-led curiosity, students develop practical skills and confidence in design and technology.

Equipment Available to Students
SMCO's students have access to a range of cutting-edge devices and tools that support coding, design, and hands-on learning across multiple disciplines.
  • Intel NUC PC
  • MacBook Air
  • iPad
  • Laser Cutter
  • 3D Printer
  • Vinyl Cutter
  • 01

    Intel NUC PC

    Our Intel NUC PCs provide students with a powerful Windows-based platform for programming and design. Equipped with essential robotics software, they support coding, creativity, and engineering projects while helping students build confidence across different operating systems for lifelong digital literacy.
  • 02

    MacBook Air

    Lightweight and versatile, our MacBook Air laptops allow students to code, create, and collaborate anywhere. Seamlessly integrated with Apple’s ecosystem, they enhance mobility and efficiency, especially during hands-on robotics tasks that encourage exploration, teamwork, and faith-inspired learning.
  • 03

    iPad

    Our class set of iPads offers a highly mobile, intuitive platform for coding and piloting robots. Students use them in engaging activities like Sphero Soccer, developing precision, coordination, and creativity through faith-guided, technology-rich learning experiences.
  • 04

    Laser Cutter

    Used in product design to cut thin wood pieces and print labels on glassware.
  • 05

    3D Printer

    Can be used to ‘print’ objects by melting vinyl strands and organising them into layers.
  • 06

    Vinyl Cutter

    Used to cut up vinyl paper for the signs around the school.

Robotics room

For Years 7–10, the Robotics Room offers programmable robots such as Lego EV3, Sphero SPRK+, VEX IQ, and VEX V5, enabling students to develop coding, engineering, and practical skills.