DURING my visit to Royal Grammar School The Grange, in Claines, it was refreshing to see so many enthusiastic youngsters.

Year three and four pupils from three different schools were there to take part in a taster session using robotics.

There pupils from St Peter’s Droitwich CE Academy, Hindlip First School and Wychbold First and Nursery School were at RGS The Grange as part of their Outreach Programme.

Kim Taylor, the school's outreach officer said: “The Outreach Programme is working with our local community, sharing our expertise and facilities, supporting a state school curriculum and creating a community of the schools.

“The programme creates dynamics and helps the small village schools who visit transition and be in a different environment. When the students are out of their comfort zone they react and work in a different way.”

Matt Warne, head of Computing and IT, led a computing session which involved the children creating Sphero robots from scratch.

Mr Warne said: “Computing is a very important subject which teaches the children a multitude of skills to enable them to be successful in a wide range of curriculum areas.

"The key aims were to improve collaboration skills and develop persistence, risk-taking and logical thought, all within a fun-filled morning of robotic madness.

“Robotics has been a really popular area due to the engagement of pupils and the kinaesthetic elements of the challenges set. If pupils are having fun, they tend to relax and the result of this means that they will feel secure to challenge themselves and take risks.

“The importance of connecting with local schools and sharing best practice is of utmost importance and sharing our expertise in this curriculum area is something we feel passionate about.”

Headteacher, Gareth Hughes said: “Throughout the school we have been learning characteristics, which the students call buzz words. Risk taking, collaboration, persistence and creativity is in everything we do. Lessons are far more engaging than they have ever been, and students are having a lot more fun.

“Most of our lessons are very interactive. The children are very involved. There's a lot of collaboration going on. It means they are are sharing what they know.”

RGS The Grange pupil, Aeryn Egginton, 11, said: “We have introduced the children to new technology and the robots. Everyone really enjoyed it. I love meeting new people, it is a learning experience and helps us communicate better.”