Students Put Robotics Skills to the Test at First-Ever UCDSB VEX Regional Competition

North Dundas – Students from across the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) gathered on March 4 at North Dundas District High School (NDDHS) for the board’s first-ever VEX Robotics regional competition, showcasing months of design, programming, and teamwork.

The event featured two separate robotics competitions: VEX V5 for secondary students and VEX IQ for students in Grades 7 and 8. Each competition included a different game and field design, but both challenged teams to build robots capable of driving, strategic gameplay, and autonomous programming.

Top honours at the event went to Brockville Collegiate Institute (BCI), capturing gold in the VEX V5 division and Glengarry District High School, capturing gold in the VEX IQ division. As winners of their divisions, both teams will now represent the UCDSB at the provincial robotics competition in Toronto May 4-5, 2026.

The competition itself was largely a student-led initiative and marked the first robotics competition hosted by the UCDSB. The event was made possible through the support of UCDSB Lead Technology & Design Teacher Andy Caruthers and the robotics experience of NDDHS Teacher Scott Currie. The competition introduced many participants to potential pathways in engineering, mechatronics, skilled trades, and technology-related careers.

Secondary Division – VEX V5 Robotics:

Six teams competed in the VEX V5 Push Back challenge, played on a 12-foot by 12-foot field. Alliances of two teams competed in matches that included a 15-second autonomous period followed by one minute and 45 seconds of driver-controlled play. Teams score points by placing blocks in goals, controlling scoring zones, and parking their robots in designated areas at the end of the match.

Participating schools in this event included BCI, Carleton Place High School, NDDHS, Rideau District High School (two teams), and South Grenville District High School.

Final standings were:

Gold – Brockville Collegiate Institute
Silver – Rideau District High School (Team 2)
Bronze – North Dundas District High School

Intermediate Division – VEX IQ Robotics

Ten teams competed in the VEX IQ Mix & Match challenge, played on a 6-foot by 8-foot field. Teams worked in alliances during 60-second teamwork matches, collaborating to score as many points as possible. Students also competed in robot skills challenges, including both driver-controlled and autonomous coding matches.

Participating schools included Almonte District High School, Athens District High School, Carleton Place High School, Char-Lan District High School, Chimo Elementary School, Glengarry District High School, Rideau District High School, St. Lawrence Secondary School, and Tagwi Secondary School.

Final standings were:

Gold – Glengarry District High School
Silver – St. Lawrence Secondary School
Bronze – Chimo Elementary School