Barker's Robotics program continues to go from strength-to-strength demonstrating that Robotics is so much more than 'just the robot.

Robotics at Barker

Barker Robotics provides a rounded educational experience, equipping students with skills that few other high school programs can offer. Teaching communication, teamwork, leadership and initiative, whilst having fun and pursuing their passion whether technical, business or artistic. Students are taken through an engineering process that involves designing, prototyping, constructing and testing their robot so that it can complete the tasks required to be a competitive player.

Barker has adopted a whole-school approach to its Robotics program with students able to participate in Robotics from Year 3. A dedicated Robotics Centre has been created for students to work together in a team-oriented environment. Through a rewarding and enriching program, we aim to maximise the creative and intelligent capacity of the students, challenging them to become better so they have the skills and confidence to do what they never thought they could.

Barker's Robotics program has attracted a lot of attention globally. In 2019, Barker assisted with the creation of the first FRC Team in the African Continent - Team 7523 - the Springbots, from public school students in Gauteng South Africa.  We also hosted over 200 students from international teams post-regional at the Barker Robotics Lab for a meet and greet. Our students continue to mentor Chinese teams in robot design and construction.

In 2019, the School hosted the annual VEX Robotics Competition Scrimmage and Tournaments, both of which have doubled in size since their inauguration in 2018.  We were delighted to have our team qualify for the VEX Nationals for a second year in a row. Barker were also the host school for the inaugural VEX IQ Challenge held in Sydney.

No previous skills are required to join the program - just curiosity, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Training, support and guidance are provided by Barker technical staff, teachers and industry mentors.

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What is FIRST?

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was started in 1989 by Segway inventor, Dean Kamen and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. They had a vision to make Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (or STEM) attractive career paths that young people wouldn't take for granted. Since its beginning, FIRST has significantly improved students' attitudes towards math, science and teamwork. Students who participate show increased interest in pursuing internship and employment opportunities in science and engineering.

Every year a new game is released. Teams strategise and build a robot that can play the game in the most efficient and effective way, learning leadership, team work and communication skills along the way. Students work together as part of an elite international program, with thousands of teams competing around the world. You can learn more about the FIRST competition here.