First VEX Robotics Interschools Competition at Aiglon

Over fifty students congregated at the first VEX Robotics Interschools Competition hosted for one day on campus. This was a friendly competition between Aiglon College, International School of Basel and International School of Lausanne ahead of a competition in December and the World Robot Olympiad Switzerland in February 2026. 

Competition Day 

Eleven teams of boys and girls showed their talent and team spirit for the VEX Push Back 2025-2026. Push Back, challenges students to design, build, and programme robots capable of picking up and scoring Blocks into multiple Goals around the arena. Teams earn points by strategically placing Blocks, controlling specific zones, and successfully parking their robots at the end of each match. The game demands creativity, precision, and teamwork as students continually refine their designs and strategies. More than just a technical challenge, Push Back develops critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills—key elements of Aiglon’s robotics programme that inspire students to innovate and compete at the highest level

“I head to the AIR Lab four times a week. I am participating in the VEX Robotics competition because I enjoy the challenge and have a strong interest in robotics” stated Joseph (Year 9). “This is my second year taking part — last year our team came first at the World Robot Olympiad Switzerland, and this is our first competition of the year. When we compete against other schools, we get to compare our skills and see how our robots perform.” 

Throughout the competition, the sound of cheering students and the clash of metallic robots filled the air. Alex (Year 12) generously gave up part of her weekend to adjudicate the event. As a founding member of Aiglon’s robotics team, she remains deeply committed to helping the programme grow and inspiring more students to get involved.

VEX Team Dynamics 

The Aiglon Robot Rumble team had five robots during the competition: 9231A, 9231X, 9231W, 9231Y and 9231Z. 

Team 9231A included: Rin (Year 9), Joseph (Year 9), Ruairidh (Year 9), Jenny (Year 9) Sayo (Year 9) Isabella (Year 9) and Marta (Year 9). Team 9231X included: Jaynie (Year 10), Miya (Year10) and driver Alvin (Year 10), Anna (Year 9), Kavin (Year 8), Banruo (Year 8) and Evie (Year 8).

The VEX Robotics team thrives through collaboration, with each student playing a vital role. Engineers and coders design, build, and program the robot, constantly refining it through innovation and precision. Pit managers and runners form the operational backbone, maintaining efficiency and ensuring readiness during competition. Alliance makers act as strategists and diplomats, forging partnerships that drive success. Marketers document and share the team’s journey, building community awareness and pride. Finally, the driver - under intense pressure - executes complex maneuvers and critical real-time decisions. Together, these roles mirror a professional organisation, where teamwork, communication, and expertise unite to achieve excellence. 

“The team communicates well together and we do what needs to be done” stated Ruairidh (Year 9). “What I learn during the competition is: even if it’s not good at the moment you’re in, it will always get better.” 

All students are highly motivated and engaged throughout the year, coming to the Applied Innovation and Robotics (AIR) Lab during their free time after school, spending hours building, testing and creating their robots.

Aiglon is proud to have two-thirds of the VEX Robotics team represented by girls. 

The Final 

The Aiglon alliance of Ruairi (Year 9) and Alvin (Year 10) faced strong competitors from International School of Basel in the tournament final. After a thrilling best-of-three showdown, Aiglon triumphed by winning the first two matches, claiming the title of Tournament Champions!

A special mention goes to Team 21052X from International School of Lausanne, who were recognised with the Sportsmanship Award for their outstanding spirit throughout the event.

“It was a fantastic day of learning, teamwork, and excitement, with plenty of happy students celebrating their achievements. Well done to all students and staff!” stated Darren Wise, Director of Technology and Digital Strategy, Aiglon College. 

A huge thank you to the audio-visual team for rigging up the venue and Jason Machin, Head of Robotics & Engineering at Aiglon for organising and planning the event, and for making sure our students enjoyed an experience just like they would at the VEX World Championships - complete with apps, screens, live feeds, and all the excitement that comes with it!

Aiglon Philanthropic Support 

“The VEX Robotics programme has been completely transformed by the support of three parent donors” stated Isla Campbell, Stewardship Officer, Aiglon College. “We are incredibly grateful for their support and leadership, which has provided the school with the ability to increase the student participation, number of teams competing and the recent unveiling of a modern robotics space.” Such generous donations help us to do more, faster. The Applied Innovation and Robotics (AIR Lab) is a space for students to explore and build their own robotics engineering projects.

VEX robotics was introduced to the school in January 2024. Our specialised teachers explore how robotics education at Aiglon College helps our students develop essential soft skills for the future.

AI Disclosure: First draft written by human, edits supported by AI. Quotes original.