What is PPS STEM & Robotics?
PPS STEM & Robotics is our dynamic approach to learning and development, integrating the core disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Through a wide range of STEM and robotics activities, our children develop essential skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork.
Our STEM provision is embedded within the School Improvement Plan, with new and enriching experiences introduced each year. We also broaden children's horizons by exposing them to potential future careers in STEM fields through partnerships with a range of industry leaders.
At Portobello we also have a dedicated STEM hub where our teams are coached by Mr Bone and Mr Chipchase.
Events
Each year, we host a number of events to celebrate our students' achievements in STEM and robotics, showcase our competing teams, and build new industry relationships.
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Autumn Term: We host a VEX Robotics competition in celebration of the United Nations International Day of the Girl.
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Summer Term: We run a VEX123 event at Gateshead College, specifically designed to introduce Key Stage One (KS1) pupils to the world of STEM and robotics.
Throughout the year our STEM teams compete regionally and nationally with the aim of competing at the VEX Robotics World Championships in the USA. Follow our progress on our school Facebook page. #PPSSTEM&ROBOTICS
Industry Partnerships
Our STEM events and teams are made possible through the generous support of our industry partners. We enjoy ongoing collaborations with leading companies such as KOMATSU Europe, CMYK Business Technology, Atom, and SMS Technology.
These partners support us in various ways:
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Sponsorship of our VEX123, VEXGO, and VEXIQ teams
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Hosting student visits to their business sites
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Delivering careers sessions in school
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Providing vital resources and expertise
VEX Robotics
VEX Robotics is an innovative construction-based learning system that introduces children to STEM fundamentals through engaging, hands-on activities. It makes coding and engineering both accessible and enjoyable.
At Portobello, we use VEX Robotics as a central, continuous thread in our STEM curriculum:
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In KS1, pupils begin their journey with VEX123.
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In KS2, they progress through VEXGO and VEXIQ, developing more advanced skills along the way.
🧒 VEX 123 (Ages 4–7 / Early Years to Year 2)
"Early coding and robotics without screens"
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What is it? A simple, disc-shaped robot that young children can programme using button presses—no screens or reading needed.
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How it works: Children press directional and action buttons on the robot or use a coding ‘wand’ to give instructions.
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What it teaches: Basic computing concepts like sequencing, logic, and problem-solving in a fun, hands-on way.
🧩 VEX GO (Ages 7–10 / Years 3 to 5)
"Building and coding with real-world applications"
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What is it? A brightly coloured robotics kit with parts that snap together, similar to LEGO but designed specifically for engineering and coding education.
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What children do: Build simple machines and robots, then programme them using a tablet or computer.
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Coding: Uses VEXcode, which starts with visual block-based coding (like Scratch) and later introduces Python.
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What it teaches: Engineering concepts, programming, creative thinking, and teamwork.
🤖 VEX IQ (Ages 10–14 / Years 5 to 9)
"Advanced robotics for the classroom or competition"
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What is it? A more sophisticated robot construction system with motors, sensors, and a programmable brain.
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What children do: Build and programme robots to perform complex tasks, either in lessons or competitive environments.
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Coding: Starts with blocks, then progresses to text-based languages like Python and C++.
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Competitions: Used in the VEX IQ Challenge, a global competition where children design robots to solve real-world challenges and score points.
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What it teaches: Higher-level computing, design engineering, robotics, and teamwork under pressure.
