A Competitive Team Robotics Program
Great Bots of Fire is a competitive team robotics program that provides students the opportunity to explore various elements of mechatronics and robotics. Throughout the year, students will be participating in an engineering design challenge / cooperative game known as the VEX IQ System. Students who are successful in the program exhibit the following:
Teamwork – Students work collaboratively in small teams to design, build, program, test and iterate various robots using the VEX IQ System. They are also part of a larger team of Ten Ton Robotics and work to enhance the development of this organization.
Independence – This is a student-centered program and students lead their own development through inquiry. There are many resources available for students to accelerate their learning.
Perseverance – Due to the level of ongoing challenge, students must take risks and learn from failure during this year-long journey.
Respect – We work to create and sustain a positive and nurturing learning environment for students so the expectation is that all involved are consistently responsible and respectful.
Select Weekend Tournaments Throughout the Year
In addition to weekly sessions, it is expected that students will show their learning by participating in some tournaments throughout the school year (most tournaments occur on Saturdays). The tournament sites are located in the Greater Vancouver area. Optional preparation time will be made available for those registered in an upcoming tournament.
Student Volunteer Opportunities
Students may also volunteer in a variety of roles at robotics tournaments. This provides the opportunity to observe more experienced students in action, serving to motivate and inspire Ignite Your Passion members as they think ahead to future grades.
The Schedule
The Great Bots of Fire IYP Program runs one day per week throughout the school year on the following days:
Section A: Tuesdays 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Section B: Wednesdays 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Section C: Thursdays 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
*Please note that there are select weekend tournaments occurring throughout the school year (usually on Saturdays).
Location: West Vancouver Secondary School
Start Date: The week of September 10, 2024
End Date: The week of June 16, 2025
The Fees
The fee for the IYP Great Bots of Fire program is $160 per month x 10 months (September to June) for a total of $1600 per year.
Students NEW to GBOF this upcoming year will also be required to pay for a VEX IQ Competition Kit which is $910. This kit will be used for the duration of the GBOF program (Grades 7 and 8). If a student is new to the program but already has a VEX IQ Competition Kit, the Robot Kit fee does not apply. Additional robot kit pieces will be available for students to SIGN-OUT as part of the program fee.
IYP Program Equipment Vision: To Leave a Positive Environmental Footprint
With the continued increase in the number of students participating in the school district’s Ignite Your Passion (IYP) programs, we require the purchase of a tremendous amount of equipment each year. Starting this school year, (2023-2024) we are moving to a model that is more environmentally responsible. In other words, we want to reuse as much equipment as possible each year.
Registration & Process for Selection
Students interested in this program complete & submit the Student Information Form including the student’s write up of why they are a good candidate for this program.. (Incomplete applications will not be considered).
Application submissions are reviewed by the team of IYP staff and administration. Final selections are communicated to parents through the Academy Office. As well, parents will be informed of the section (day/time) that their student is in.
