At HTS, we believe that preparing students for the future requires more than just introducing them to technology; it requires providing a continuous, supportive pathway where their skills can evolve alongside their curiosity. Within our Innovation and Technology Program, one of the most exciting examples of this progression is our VEX Robotics continuum.
From the Lower School Innovation Lab to high-stakes provincial tournaments, the HTS robotics program is deliberately designed to grow with our students. It is not just about building sophisticated machines; it is about cultivating resilience, strategic problem-solving, and the collaborative mindset required by the real world.
Here is a look at how our students journey through the exciting world of robotics at HTS.
Phase 1: Sparking Curiosity with VEX GO (Grades 3 to 4)
The journey begins in the Lower Innovation Lab with the VEX GO Robotics Club. Meeting twice a week, Grade 3 and 4 students are introduced to the foundational concepts of engineering design and block coding. At this stage, the focus is on hands-on learning and imaginative problem-solving. Through a mix of collaborative building sessions, coding challenges, and friendly competitions, students learn how simple machines work. More importantly, they are practicing essential human skills such as how to communicate an idea, how to work together, and how to turn a shared vision into a physical reality.
Phase 2: Fostering Independence with VEX IQ (Grades 5 to 8)
In the Middle School years, the VEX IQ Robotics Club shifts the focus toward independence and deeper technical engagement. Designed for students passionate about hands-on building and coding, the club operates with a flexible structure. Members meet during lunch recesses and dedicate at least two hours a week to their projects in the iLab.
This flexibility teaches students vital project management and time-allocation skills. During this phase, the scope of their work expands outward as they begin preparing for local Toronto competitions and CAIS tournaments. The VEX IQ level is where creativity meets external challenge, requiring students to iterate on their designs based on real-world testing and peer competition.
Phase 3: Mastering Complexity with VEX V5 (Grades 9 to 12)
For our senior students, the VEX V5 Club offers a deep dive into the thrilling world of competitive robotics. Each year, members tackle a brand-new VEX Robotics Competition challenge. Throughout the first two terms, teams dedicate hours of flexible time in the iLab to design, build, program, and drive highly sophisticated robots using the advanced VEX V5 system.
This is the culmination of the HTS robotics pathway. Students apply critical technical skills in advanced engineering and programming while managing complex team dynamics, strategic problem-solving, and high-pressure competition environments.
Beyond the Build: Competition and Character
The true measure of our Innovation and Technology Program is seen in the character of our students during competition season. Recently, both our VEX V5 and VEX IQ teams showcased incredible resilience and inventive solutions across several events. Every competition tested not only their technical skills but also their ability to adapt and support one another under pressure.
A major highlight of the season was the incredible success of our senior VEX V5 teams. Through dedication and outstanding collaborative design, Team 18080V, secured the prestigious Innovate Award at a local competition. Additionally, Teams 18080V, 18080X, and 18080Z, all successfully qualified for Provincials!
Whether it is a Grade 3 student debugging their first line of code or a senior team competing on the provincial stage, the shared drive across the HTS VEX Robotics continuum is inspiring. By providing this continuous, structured pathway, HTS ensures that our students are not just learning about technology; they are learning how to lead, innovate, and thrive within it.
Contributed by: Mr Daniel Carr, Technology Integration Specialist