Robotics

At Fernvale primary School, we are dedicated to inspiring and equipping students with essential programming and robotics skills. We believe in learning by doing, offering hands-on experiences that cultivate innovative thinking, teamwork, and practical problem-solving abilities crucial for real-world challenges.

Our vision is to build a vibrant community of young robotics enthusiasts who not only excel in STEM disciplines but also confidently represent our school in national competitions. We're committed to developing vital 21st-century skills that go beyond the classroom.

We aim to provide unique opportunities for our members to deepen their understanding of physics, mechanics, and programming, extending beyond the standard curriculum. Through these experiences, we foster creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, empowering students to become the innovators and problem-solvers of tomorrow.

Join us to explore the exciting world of robotics!

Our Programme

Over the past many years, the Upper Primary Club members had engaged in LEGO Mindstorm EV3 and UB Tech Robotics classroom training, learning to design, build, and program robots for various missions. The Middle Primary Club members, had been trained in Scratch 3.0, LEGO WeDo 2.0, Microsoft/BBC Micro:bit, and others. Guided by experienced trainers, students participate in team-based problem-solving tasks and prepare for competitions like the National Robotics Programming Competition and other National Hackathon competitions.

Our Training

Club training is planned and designed to build students' technical skills, critical thinking, and teamwork progressively across the year, as follows:

🔧 Technical Skills Training

1. Introduction to Robotics and Electronics

   • Basic circuits, sensors, motors, and microcontrollers (micro:bit)
     

2. Programming Fundamentals

   • Block-based coding (e.g., Scratch or MakeCode or UB Tech uCode 4.0)
     

3. LEGO/UB Tech Robotics Training

   • Hands-on training with LEGO Mindstorms/UB Tech Robotics

   • Build-and-code sessions with tasks like line-following, obstacle avoidance, etc.

🧠 Applied Learning & Innovation

5. Problem-Solving Challenges

   • Weekly team tasks to simulate real-world problems (e.g., build a delivery robot)
     

6. Hackathon Simulation Sessions/Preparations for completions

   • Timed design-and-pitch challenges to simulate actual competitions

   • Focus on teamwork, ideation, and innovation
     

7. Sensor Integration & Automation

   • Training on using ultrasonic, light, temperature, and motion sensors in automation tasks

🤝 Soft Skills & Competition Prep

8. Presentation & Pitching Skills

   • How to present robot designs and project ideas clearly and confidently

   • Practice with judges’ Q&A format
     

9. Competition-Specific Training (for selected students)

• Preparation based on rules of FIRST LEGO League, National Thinkers Challenge, etc.

• Mock competitions and feedback sessions

Current Training programme (2025)

1. P3 Robotics Club Members - Block-Based Coding with Scratch 3.0

Our Robotics Club offers a foundational training programme in block-based coding using Scratch 3.0, specially designed for beginners. Through this programme, students learn to think logically, solve problems creatively, and develop basic programming concepts in a fun and interactive way.

Over a series of guided sessions, students explore key coding skills such as sequencing, loops, conditionals, and variables, all while creating animations, interactive stories, and simple games. They are also introduced to debugging techniques and collaborative coding practices.

2. P4 & P5 Robotics Club Members - Microsoft Digital Making Roadmap

As part of our Robotics Club’s commitment to nurturing future-ready learners, our Primary 4 and Primary 5 members will embark on the Microsoft Digital Making Roadmap — an engaging programme designed to build computational thinking and problem-solving skills through hands-on prototyping and the practical application of design thinking to real-world challenges.

🛠 Fundamental Track

Targeted at beginners, this track introduces students to block-based coding using Microsoft MakeCode with Micro:bit. They will learn to work with basic sensors and actuators to code and build smart gadgets and prototypes using upcycled materials. Students will develop essential digital skills while creating fun and meaningful artefacts.

🚀 Intermediate Track

Designed for students with prior digital making experience, this advanced track explores wireless communication and more complex sensors/actuators. Students will also be introduced to the exciting world of Generative AI and Prompt Engineering, discovering how to integrate these technologies to enhance their prototypes.

3. P6 Robotics Club Members - AI Robotics with uCode4 by UB Tech

Our Primary 6 Robotics Club members will take their learning to the next level through an AI Robotics programme using the uCode4 platform, designed to equip them with future-ready skills in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics engineering.

This hands-on, project-based course introduces students to fundamental AI concepts and real-world applications such as image and voice recognition, data analysis, and algorithmic thinking. Students will engage in team-based projects that promote collaborative problem-solving, iterative design, and reflective learning.

🔍 Key Learning Areas

• Block-Based Programming using the uCode4 platform

• Hands-on experience with UGOT robots:

  • Mecanum Wheel Car

  • Wheel-Legged Robot

  • Spider Robot

• Programming features include:

  • Loops and conditional statements (Forever, If/Then, Repeat Until)

  • Line-following and facial recognition using robot cameras

  • Emotion recognition and customized robot responses

  • Laser sensor navigation to detect distance and solve mazes

This advanced course empowers our P6 members to be confident innovators, problem-solvers, and responsible users of emerging technologies in the AI era.

Competition Exposures & Opportunities

Since its formation in 2019, the Robotics Club has actively participated in a wide range of prestigious national competitions. These include the FIRST LEGO League, National Robotics Competition, Pei Hwa Virtual Hackathon, Pei Hwa Hackathon, and the National Thinkers Challenge, among others. These platforms have provided our students with meaningful opportunities to apply their knowledge, sharpen their problem-solving skills, and showcase their creativity. Such exposure has helped our members grow in confidence and brought out the best in them, beyond the classroom.

Achievements

The FVPS Robotics Club has consistently performed well in national arenas, garnering recognition for its innovation and excellence:

• 2019 – Successfully completed First LEGO League

• 2021 & 2022 – Pei Hwa Virtual Hackathon: Awarded Certificates of Recognition

• 2023 – National Thinkers Challenge: Won the Most Innovative and Creative Award, with medals and $500 seed funding in the NTC Finals

• 2024 – National Thinkers Challenge: Received the Commendation Award and $100 book vouchers

These accolades reflect the hard work, passion, and ingenuity of our students, as well as the strong mentorship within the CCA.