Robotics at Haileybury Almaty

At Haileybury Almaty, we firmly believe that a strong foundation in STEAM - Science, Technology, Arts, Engineering, and Mathematics - is crucial for preparing students to succeed in a rapidly evolving world. Our Robotics programme plays a vital role in this mission, providing students with hands-on experience in innovation, critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.

Through robotics, students engage in real-world challenges, acquire cutting-edge technical skills, and develop a deeper understanding of the transformative power of technology in society.

Participation in the FIRST Championship

Haileybury Almaty takes pride in participating in the globally renowned FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Championship, a prestigious event in STEAM education. This programme inspires students to explore science and technology while cultivating leadership, teamwork, and engineering skills. As the Almaty host of the FIRST Championship, we create a dynamic space for students across the city to compete and collaborate, celebrating scientific exploration and innovation.

"Initium" Robotics Team

Our Robotics Team, Initium Robotics, competes actively and supports this event, setting an inspiring example for the entire school community. Each year, Haileybury Almaty sponsors the event and brings together many young engineers and programmers in a friendly environment.

Hosting International Events

In addition to competing, Haileybury Almaty has hosted prestigious events, including the FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge) and FLL (FIRST LEGO League) Regional Stages in 2022, 2023, and 2024, as well as the International FTC and FLL event in June 2022. Each event brought together around 400 participants, demonstrating our leadership and commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in the robotics community.

Robotics in the Curriculum

At Haileybury Almaty, Robotics is integrated into our curriculum from Junior School through Senior School, ensuring that all students have access to both foundational and advanced robotics education. In the Junior School, students are introduced to basic concepts and creative problem-solving techniques. As they progress to Senior School, students tackle more complex projects, building, and programming robots to complete a range of tasks. Robotics at Haileybury Almaty is not just a subject but rather an immersive experience that fosters resilience, critical thinking, and a passion for technology. We use a variety of robotics kits, including LEGO WeDo 2.0, Spike, Motion Briq, REV, GoBilda, Mindstorms and VEX 123, IQ, GO, and V5 tailored to suit the different age groups from Junior to Senior School.

Resources and Facilities

Our Robotics programme is supported by state-of-the-art facilities that enable students to turn their ideas into reality. These include:
- A variety of robotics kits, such as LEGO WeDo 2.0, Spike, Motion Briq, REV, GoBilda, Mindstorms, and VEX (123, IQ, GO, V5)
- Programming, web design, game design, and 3D modeling software to code and operate robots
- Advanced electronics, sensors, and components for custom projects, including Arduino and Raspberry Pi
- 3D printing capabilities to create custom parts and expand creative possibilities
- Dedicated workspaces like our Makerspace in the Robotics Lab, designed for hands-on learning and collaboration

Our Robotics programme is led by a team of dedicated and knowledgeable educators:

Our Olympiad Robotics teacher and mentor of the Initium Robotics team

Mr. Nurlan Iskaliyev

Under his guidance, our students have achieved outstanding results:
2021: FTC Kazakhstan National Championship - 3rd place
2021: FTC Wolverhampton, UK International Championship - 1st place
2022: FGC Astana, Kazakhstan National Championship - 3rd place
2023: FTC Haileybury National Championship - 1st place

Head of Digital Learning and Junior School Robotics CCA Teacher

Mr. Alan Taylor

Oversees the integration of digital and technological skills across our curriculum, ensuring that Robotics is both accessible and challenging for every student. His work in Junior School Robotics CCA supports young learners as they explore foundational robotics concepts in an engaging and supportive environment.

Student Projects and Success Stories

Our students’ achievements reflect the high caliber of our Robotics programme:

Mereyli won 500,000 tenge for her AI-powered diagnostic tool, AIgnite Diagnostics, in a competition organized by the American Maker Space in Almaty.
Danial, a 2024 graduate, developed two useful apps: a Library App to help students select books and a Lost and Found App to assist the school community.
Nazar created a portable device that connects two computers via network sockets and developed a PID regulator, highlighting his interest in robotics and complex systems.

Partnerships and Community Engagement

We are proud to collaborate with the Daryn Center, which supports young and talented students across Kazakhstan. Haileybury Almaty hosts Science and Maths Olympiads, providing a platform for students to showcase their skills.

In addition, the USTEM Foundation plays a key role in elevating STEM education in Kazakhstan and Central Asia. Through this partnership, we empower the region’s youth by actively promoting the FIRST programme.

Skills Development and Learning Outcomes

Our Robotics programme at Haileybury Almaty is designed to equip students with a wide range of skills that prepare them for future challenges. Key learning outcomes include:

Technical Proficiency: Hands-on experience with robotics kits, programming tools, and advanced technologies equips students with valuable technical skills in STEM.
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Robotics encourages students to troubleshoot, iterate, and improve their designs, fostering critical and creative thinking.
Collaboration and Teamwork: Working in teams, students learn to communicate effectively, share ideas, and support each other - skills essential for any career.
Leadership and Confidence: Competitions like the FIRST Championship help students develop leadership qualities, make quick decisions, and present their work confidently.

At Haileybury Almaty, Robotics is about more than just building machines - it’s about developing tomorrow’s innovators and leaders.

What would you like to do?

Junior School Senior School IGCSE A-Level Robotics Digital learning

News

12.11.2024

FIRST Championship Qualifiers at Haileybury Almaty

Haileybury Almaty hosted the FIRST Championship qualifiers, uniting over 700 participants in a celebration of innovation, teamwork, and STEM excellence in Kazakhstan.

Robotics