Shanganamore Barrowhouse, Scoil Eoin Pol Naofa Ballyroan and Camross NS took part in the Vex Robotic Competition in the ATU Campus in Castlebar recently.
The three schools only started their Vex program in February and were up against stiff competition from seasoned schools including the current All Ireland Champions from Donegal and also the Connaught Regional champions from Mayo.
The competition started on Thursday morning last and all teams played a hectic 14 games.
In order to play the game each school had to build and program a Robot using coding along with building the board game and the obstacles.
All three schools excelled on the day considering this was their first major event, the future is bright for all schools.
Shanganamore NS were the judge’s most impressive newcomer to the program.
Scoil Eoin Pol Naofa were pipped in their final game by 3 points by the current All Ireland champions from Donegal on a scoreline of 91 to 88 .
Camross were also narrowly beaten in the qualifier by the current Connaught Regional champions from Mayo.
Antoinette Brennan the Broadband Officer from Laois County Council was responsible for securing this program for four schools in Laois to date with the backing of DRCD , Vex Robotic Program, MTU , ATU and Offaly County Council.
It is hoped with funding to rollout this program into more primary schools in Laois in September along with other STEM programs, with a vision to introduce Vex and STEM programs into Secondary and get all schools to a point where they can provide Computer Science as a Leaving Cert subject.
She thanked all associates with the program and especially to the Teachers and students who have taken part to date and look forward to the future.
