Spine Road High School’s robotics and coding programme has received a significant upgrade following a donation on Friday February 28 from Bet Software of equipment aimed at improving teaching and competition readiness.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Spine Road High School’s robotics and coding programme has received a significant upgrade following a donation from Bet Software of equipment, which aims to improve teaching and competition readiness.
The handover took place at their school on Friday February 28 and the donation includes a full robotics system kit, 12 laptops, mouse pads, keyboards, a projector, a smart board, safety lockers, and an inverter to ensure continuity during power disruptions.
The equipment was provided through Bet Software (Pty) Ltd, with Corné Swart, Senior People Partner, overseeing the donation. This contribution addresses longstanding challenges faced by the school’s robotics pupils, who often lacked the tools necessary to compete effectively.
From left are Corné Swart, Senior People Partner from Bet Software and Mark Fairbairn, Spine Road High School principal at the handover on Friday February 28.
Image: Marsha Bothma
George Rose, who coordinates the robotics programme, and also teaches Life Sciences, has led the school’s robotics efforts since joining in 2017. Under his guidance, Spine Road has gained national recognition and participated in several prestigious competitions.
From left are teachers from Spine Road High School, NAME, Najmunisa Govender, George Rose and NAME at the handover.
Image: Marsha Bothma
In 2023, the school competed in the World Robotics Olympiad in Johannesburg, providing valuable national exposure. In 2024, Spine Road partnered with UNICEF to compete in the First Lego League in Worcester, where pupils secured a win in a mini competition against other schools.
The school’s robotics programme had been largely inactive during the Covid-19 pandemic, but the new equipment allows for a full-scale revival of coding and robotics activities.
Najmunisa Govender, the school’s coding and robotics teacher, will oversee the use of the new equipment as pupils prepare for future competitions and develop critical technology skills.
Several pupils expressed excitement about the new resources. Blake Daniels, a Grade 11 pupil and winner of the 2023 Microbit Coding Provincial Expo in Cape Town, said the upgraded equipment will significantly improve the school’s competitive edge.
The handover took place at their school on Friday February 28 and the donation includes a full robotics system kit, 12 laptops, mouse pads, keyboards, a projector, a smart board, safety lockers, and an inverter to ensure continuity during power disruptions.
Image: Marsha Bothma
“Before, we didn’t have the proper appliances for tournaments, which affected us. This donation will help us prepare better and prove that we are capable,” he said.
Fellow Grade 11 pupil Ubaidullah Smith highlighted technical difficulties pupils previously faced, including frequent software crashes and unsaved work. He is optimistic that the new equipment will provide a more stable and efficient learning environment.
Pupils Athra Jumat and Nilufar Bardien, both in Grade 11, also welcomed the equipment. Athra said she looks forward to learning more about how programmes and computers work, while Nilufar noted the new tools will make learning more accessible and reduce reliance on personal devices.
Spine Road High School Principal Mark Fairbairn said the donation supports the school’s goal of expanding its technology offering and equipping pupils with essential 21st-century skills.
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