A league of their own

Fresh from their strong showing at the recent First Lego League (FLL) competition at Tekniska museet, the SIS Oggies – our dedicated Grade 6 and 7 robotics team – are already channelling their energy into refining their skills for future challenges. Their eagerness to keep learning highlights a genuine appetite for innovation and problem-solving.

This year’s competition, a Scandinavian regional qualifier, required teams to design, code, and build a robot capable of navigating a complex course and completing designated tasks within strict time limits. The Oggies committed eight weeks of focused preparation from the very start of term, approaching the project with both creativity and discipline. Among the 24 participating teams, SIS delivered an impressive performance, particularly placing third for the quality of their presentation to the judging panel, explaining their robot design and game strategy, and also winning a prize in the category of core values.

Presentation is a key component of FLL, demonstrating that the competition extends far beyond technical skills. Students must propose inventive solutions to real-world problems, work effectively as a team, show strategic thinking in how they tackle challenges, document their process, and ultimately communicate their ideas clearly and confidently. These expectations mirror the learning approaches at the heart of SIS and the IB curriculum.

Competition day itself demanded resilience as well as expertise. Running from 08:00 to 18:00 with minimal breaks, the event required sustained focus and teamwork. Parents offered invaluable support throughout, encouraging the students and engaging enthusiastically with the day’s activities.

The academic value of the First Lego League was evident in every stage of the Oggies’ work. Organisers noted the team’s collaborative spirit, their confidence during presentations, and the international-mindedness that characterises SIS. Much of this poise stemmed from the students’ extensive research—exploring local museums, interviewing experts, and applying inquiry-based thinking fostered through the IB programme.

Looking ahead, the SIS Oggies hope to take part in more local competitions and develop friendly rivalries with other schools. With the same enthusiasm and dedication they have shown since SIS first joined the First Lego League four years ago, the team is excited to continue growing as innovators, collaborators, and thinkers.