NORTHLANDS Primary School’s FIRST LEGO League team, The Smooth Sailors, recently returned from South Korea where they placed second at the FIRST LEGO League International Open.

The team of five learners, Kirthan Cross, Mvelo Khuzwayo, Riley Campbell, Jaiden Mothilal and Peyton Leggett, represented their school and SA in Jeonju and placed second in the Core Values category in the global robotics competition.

Steven Kent, the head of digital literacy and coach of the Smooth Sailors, described the team’s experience.

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“Competing in South Korea was an incredible experience for our team. We were honoured to represent not only Northlands Primary, but also South Africa on the international stage. The team earned second place in the Core Values Award, which recognises how well teams demonstrate the values that are central to FIRST LEGO League.

“These include teamwork, inclusion, innovation, discovery, impact and having fun while solving problems. To be recognised in this category at an international competition is something the learners are immensely proud of, as it reflects not only their technical ability but also their character and the way they worked together throughout the competition,” he said.

The team’s journey to South Korea began at the regional FIRST LEGO League competition, where they qualified for the SA National Championships.

At the national finals, the Smooth Sailors finished fourth in the Champion’s Award, one of the competition’s highest honours.

“To return home having finished second in the International Core Values category made the journey even more rewarding and is an achievement that the entire Northlands community can be incredibly proud of,”
Kent added.

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