History in the Making: BVG Robotics Teams earn Provincials Berth

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ConnecTech Team in action!

The Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program at Bayview Glen (BVG) is on the cusp of making history! 

“It is so amazing to see a large group of students engaged and inspired to explore, discover, design and problem solve at such a high level,” says James Lee, Head of School. “Their commitment and dedication, supported by a talented team of faculty and staff that continue to provide these opportunities in STEM at our School, are truly commendable.” 

Three robotics teams, from across all Divisions (Lower School, Prep School and Upper School), finished in first place in their individual categories during regional competitions held in November and December.  

ConnecTech Team who received the First Place Champions Award!

With their Champions Award performances, the ConnectTech, Operation CREATE, BV3 and Ctrl-Z teams, comprising students from grades 5 to 8 and multiple Upper School mentors, have earned a place at the provincial championships in January 2023. 

A new rookie team, BV3 (mostly of Grade 5’s), led by Mr. Crimp, won a major award at their competition, ‘The Motivate Award’ securing a spot at the provincials. 

BV3 Team Photo

Ben McCord helps as a facilitator for both ConnectTech and a second team, Smart Ramen. 

“I am not an expert programmer,” says McCord, who is a certified teacher and FLL Robotics Coordinator. “Many of the kids know far more than I do. My job is to make sure we are on track to accomplish all our tasks and learn and have fun along the way.” 

If Smart Ramen wins its next competition, the team would also qualify for the provincial competition, potentially giving BVG its largest showing at an Ontario Championships level in school history with five teams.   

All of our BVG teams, coached by our BVG Robotics Coaching Team, are part of FIRST® LEGO® League which, according to its website, “introduces science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to children ages 4-16 through fun, exciting hands-on learning.”

Team Operation CREATE celebrating First Place!

McCord, who taught STEM in California and has been part of BVG’s co-curricular robotics programming since 2021 says, “FLL is a well-rounded program that is far more than just robotics. It also has the students develop an in-depth project guided by the FIRST Core Values (Discovery, Innovation, Impact, Inclusion, Teamwork, and Fun). There’s really a place for anyone on the team, regardless of their unique interests and skill sets.”   

He credits a small army of as many as eight dedicated moderators, parents, former BVG robotics team alumni and other volunteers with providing key guidance to both the teams he helps coach. 

“I was surprised at the level of commitment from my team members,” he says. “They all have heavy school and extracurricular loads but dedicate at least seven hours per week to the team.”

Team Ctrl-Z

Bayview Glen’s strong robotics programming began more than 12 years ago, aligning with the school’s inquiry-based, hands-on approach to learning — across all grades. This model enables students to ask questions, make well-informed assertions and develop solutions to real-world problems. 

BVG students are taught basic coding skills in Grade 1. 

Read more about Bayview Glen’s STEM program in The Glen newsletter.