Written by: Jon Clark, Robotics Coach, BISP Head of Computer Science and Technology Integration

What a journey it has been for our BISP robotics stars! Year 12 student Jamie and Year 11 student Aurèle recently travelled from Phuket to represent our school at a VEX VRC tournament, competing with their incredible robot, A.T.L.A.S. I had the pleasure of accompanying them as their coach.

These two remarkable students have worked tirelessly since August, preparing for this year’s competition. I mainly offer occasional advice and support these days, as Jamie and Aurèle have reached a stage where they are developing their solutions independently through thorough research, application, and experimentation. It is fantastic to witness their growth as young engineers. Showing real determination and commitment, they dedicated countless hours during lunchtimes, breaktimes, and after school to designing, building, and refining their robot. Their efforts extended beyond the build itself, producing an impressive 80-page engineering notebook that meticulously documented their design process, iterations, and problem-solving journey.

That dedication was evident on the competition floor. In a dominant qualifying performance, they delivered a commanding 110-8 victory that demonstrated just how capable A.T.L.A.S. had become. I genuinely thought they were on track for a World Championship berth in the USA this April.

The quarter-finals proved to be a heart-stopping affair. With just 6 seconds remaining on the clock, the opposing alliance made a crucial play to snatch a 3-point victory. It was a tough way to end, but what a testament to how far Jamie and Aurèle have come to be competing at that level and leading with seconds to go.

What is Push Back?

The 2025-26 VEX VRC game, Push Back, challenges alliances to score points by placing blocks into goals, controlling zones, and parking robots in designated areas. Played on a 12′ x 12′ field with 88 blocks, matches consist of a 15-second autonomous period followed by a 1:45 driver-controlled period. With blocks worth 3 points each and significant bonuses available for zone control and strategic parking, the game rewards both precise engineering and tactical teamwork.

Celebrating Our Team

I am incredibly proud of Jamie and Aurèle. Months of hard work, an 80-page engineering notebook, and a quarter-final lead with seconds to go shows they are competing at an elite level. In robotics, as in sport, the margins can be impossibly fine, but these two have proven they belong among the best. I cannot wait to see what A.T.L.A.S. achieves next!

A big thank you also to the wider BISP robotics team: Mr Lucas, Mr Shaw, Mr Chambers, and our Innovation Intern, Harrison King. Without their support and dedication, the robotics programme at BISP would not be possible.