Durban North – Northlands Primary teams, Smooth Sailors and Lego Legends, excelled at the recent regional Lego League tournament in Ballito, placing second and third respectively out of 16 other competing teams, and ranking within the top 10 of 60 teams provincially.
This achievement qualifies them for a second consecutive appearance at the national Lego League competition in December at Johannesburg’s Sci-Bono Discovery Centre. Both teams aim to achieve a higher ranking in coding performance, as they compete against 60 teams this year, compared to around 40 last year, to showcase their innovative designs and skills again at a national level.
This success reflects the dedication of Principal, Alistair Naidu and his committed Coding and Robotics team, Mr Steven Kent, Mrs Shamilla Subramanien, and Mr Daryn Mahabeer. Their expertise and guidance have positioned Northlands Primary as a leader in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, fostering young talent, creativity, and essential future-ready skills.
“We are incredibly proud of our students and their accomplishments in the Lego League. This qualification and their performance celebrate their hard work and ingenuity, highlighting the importance of STEM education in shaping tomorrow’s leaders,” said Mr Naidu.
He added that the Lego League was newly established at Northlands Primary just over two years ago, and significant efforts have since been dedicated to building valuable resources for the initiative. These efforts have resulted in notable recognition and achievements by both students and teachers.
The school’s Lego League teams were previously recognised at last year’s nationals for their achievements in Innovation. With another qualification this year, Northlands aims to build on that success, positioning the school as a leading academic institution in the Durban North area.
“We’ve always believed that Lego League is all about the children. It’s an incredible opportunity for them to learn, grow, and explore their potential,” said Mr Kent. “Establishing this programme at Northlands Primary has allowed us to introduce Coding and Robotics in a fun and interactive way. Through Lego, we are sparking young imaginations, while teaching children about technology. For some of our youngest participants, it’s their first step into the world of innovation, and we’re thrilled to help them discover both the power of their creativity and the limitless possibilities that technology offers. A sentiment supported by my colleagues, Mrs Subramanien, and Mr. Mahabeer, ” he said.
To support their journey, Northlands Primary has launched a comprehensive fundraising campaign to promote the importance of Lego League and attract further support from parents, sponsors, and the community. This initiative is vital for reaching the funding goal of R700,000, which will cover travel and competition expenses for the potential international stage in 2025.