VEX Robotics - CAS Primary online community event

Exploring VEX Robotics in the Primary Classroom

Key Takeaways

• VEX offers a continuum of robotics tools and resources, starting from Key Stage 1 through to college level.
• VEX 123 supports three levels of programming—from simple touch input to app-based control—making it adaptable across year groups.
• VEX GO is a construction-based robotics kit that integrates well into computing, DT, and science curricula.
• VEXcode VR provides a free, browser-based virtual robot that mimics physical kits—ideal for schools without access to hardware.
• Comprehensive, free teaching materials (STEM Labs and Activities) are available to support lessons without needing prior specialist knowledge.

Session Summary

This community session featured Chris from VEX Robotics, who shared a comprehensive overview of how VEX’s robotics ecosystem supports primary computing education. The discussion began with an introduction to the VEX 123 robot, a small, reliable device designed for Key Stage 1 and lower Key Stage 2 learners. Chris highlighted its three methods of programming: touch-button input (akin to Bee-Bots), a tactile ‘coder’ with instruction cards, and an app-based environment with increased programming complexity.

The coder proved a standout feature, enabling children to see their programme as a sequence of commands. This visibility not only aids understanding but supports a much-needed focus on debugging—something that’s tricky with touch-only input methods. The coder even includes a step-through mode, allowing learners to predict and analyse each command in action.

Moving on to VEX GO, Chris demonstrated how this modular construction kit offers an engaging next step for Key Stage 2. Colour-coded parts and purpose-built storage simplify classroom management, and the set includes motors, sensors, and even an electromagnet. Programming is app-based, with a Scratch 3.0-inspired interface accessible on most devices. Importantly, GO is not limited to computing: Chris showed examples of cross-curricular links to science, maths, and design & technology.

For schools without access to physical kits—or those wanting to extend learning beyond the classroom—Chris introduced VEXcode VR. This free, browser-based platform simulates VEX GO robots in a virtual playground. Learners can practise algorithms, control loops, and sensor inputs in real time, with no account or login required. VR also allows for mathematical concepts like shape drawing and coordinates to be taught through code.

Finally, Chris walked us through the supporting resources available at education.vex.com. These include fully resourced STEM Labs, short creative activities, and editable lesson content. The structure allows teachers to deliver robotics lessons with confidence—even if they’re new to programming or engineering.

Next Steps for Your Classroom

• How can you structure progression in robotics across your primary school to ensure consistent development of computational thinking?
• Are your current floor robots limited to early years? What options are there to extend that learning into Key Stages 1 & 2?
• Do your learners have enough opportunities to debug and refine their code?
• Could virtual robotics be a solution when access to physical kits is limited?

Try this:

• Use VEXcode VR’s number grid to teach sequencing and coordinates by setting learners the task of navigating to a specific square.
• Challenge pupils to draw polygons using repeat loops and explore internal vs external angles.
• Experiment with the VEXcode VR's step-through mode to reinforce debugging skills.

Further Resources

Watch the Session recording