Durban North – Northlands Primary School teams, Smooth Sailors and Lego Legends, achieved outstanding success at the recent regional Lego League tournament held in Ballito. Competing against 16 other teams, they placed second and third, securing a position within the top 10 out of 60 teams provincially. This impressive performance has earned them a spot in the national Lego League competition for the second consecutive year, to be held in December at Johannesburg’s Sci-Bono Discovery Centre.

Preparing for National Success

Both teams are aiming to improve their coding performance this year, as they will be competing against 60 teams, an increase from 40 teams last year. The national stage will give them the chance to showcase their innovative designs and coding skills on a highly competitive platform.

This success is a testament to the commitment of Principal Alistair Naidu and the dedicated Coding and Robotics team: Mr Steven Kent, Mrs Shamilla Subramanien, and Mr Daryn Mahabeer. Their dedication has positioned Northlands Primary as a leader in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, nurturing young talent and fostering essential future-ready skills.

Commitment to STEM Education

“We are incredibly proud of our students and their accomplishments in the Lego League,” said Mr Naidu. “This qualification celebrates their hard work and ingenuity, highlighting the importance of STEM education in shaping tomorrow’s leaders.”

Mr Naidu explained that the Lego League was established at Northlands Primary just over two years ago. Since then, significant efforts have gone into building the programme, leading to valuable achievements and recognition for both students and teachers.

Sparking Creativity Through Lego

Reflecting on the programme, Mr Kent said, “We’ve always believed that Lego League is all about the children. It’s an incredible opportunity for them to learn, grow, and explore their potential. Establishing this programme has allowed us to introduce Coding and Robotics in a fun and interactive way, sparking young imaginations and teaching children about technology.”

Mr Kent added that for some of the youngest participants, Lego League is their first step into the world of innovation. “We’re thrilled to help them discover the power of their creativity and the endless possibilities technology offers,” he said, a sentiment echoed by Mrs Subramanien and Mr Mahabeer.

Fundraising for Future Opportunities

To support the teams’ journey and ensure continued success, Northlands Primary has launched a fundraising campaign. The initiative seeks to raise R700,000 to cover travel and competition expenses, with hopes of competing on the international stage in 2025. The school is reaching out to parents, sponsors, and the community to help promote the importance of Lego League and attract financial support.

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Social Media Post

Northlands Primary Qualifies for National Lego League!Our Smooth Sailors and Lego Legends teams are heading to nationals! Support their STEM journey and help us reach our R700,000 fundraising goal for a shot at the international stage.

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