Build, don’t watch
Twelve hours of hands-on building, programming, and problem-solving with real competition robotics kit.
Term 3 · Starts 20 July
Intro to Robotics
A six-week introduction to competitive robotics and engineering for students who want to try the real thing — no season-long commitment.
6 weeks · 12 hours hands-on · Ages 10-16 · Wairau Valley · $349
Build
Real robots and real systems
Code
Hands-on programming and testing
Engineer
Small-group coaching
Progress
Clear next steps if they love it
What's on offer
A proper look at competitive robotics and engineering
Curious about robotics but not ready to commit to a whole season? This is where families get a proper look. Over six weeks, students build, programme, and problem-solve with the same competition kit our teams use, guided by an engineer in small groups, hands-on the whole way through. No worksheets. No season-long pressure. Just a clear introduction to what real robotics and engineering work feels like.
Engineer-led
Coached by a practising engineer in small groups, so every student gets real attention.
A real pathway
Love it? There is a clear route into our competitive robotics pathway. Just wanted to try it? No strings.
Course details
Everything parents need at a glance
- Duration
- 6 weeks, one 2-hour session per week (12 hours total)
- Starts
- Week of 20 July 2026
- Ages
- Ages 10-16
- Location
- CMR Robotics, 195 Wairau Road, Wairau Valley
- Price
- $349 (GST inclusive)
- Group size
- Small groups — spaces are limited
Session options
Choose the weekly time that suits you
Mondays 4:00-6:00pm
First session starts 20 July 2026.
Wednesdays 4:00-6:00pm
First session starts 22 July 2026.
Sundays 12:00-2:00pm
First session starts 26 July 2026.
Choose the option that suits you when you enrol. Sessions run subject to minimum numbers.
No experience needed
Built for beginners who want a proper start
This course is built for beginners. Students do not need to have touched a robot, written a line of code, or known anything about competitions. If they are curious, like building things, or just want to try something hands-on this term, they will fit right in.
Everything is provided. They just bring themselves.
Where FTC fits in
The outcome matters more than the acronym
FTC stands for FIRST Tech Challenge. For families new to robotics, the main point is not the acronym itself. It is that students can grow into a real competition environment where robot design, coding, teamwork, and engineering habits are tested properly.
FAQ
Questions parents ask
Does my child need any experience?
None at all. The course starts from the beginning and is designed for students who are completely new to robotics, coding, and competition environments.
What do they need to bring?
Just themselves and water. All robotics kit, tools, and materials are provided.
What happens after the six weeks?
If your child loves it, we can show you the next step into our competitive robotics pathway. That may include FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), which is one of the competition environments we use to prove real engineering, coding, and teamwork skills.
Why only six weeks?
It gives families a low-commitment way to try competitive robotics properly before deciding on anything bigger. Twelve hands-on hours is enough to get a genuine feel for the work.
Can siblings enrol together?
Yes. Use the form and add a note, or email us, and we can help with sibling places.
What if the session I want is full?
Choose your preferred option on the form. If it fills, we will contact you about your second choice or the next best slot.
Spaces are limited
Small groups mean limited spots, and the course starts the week of 20 July 2026. Enrol now to secure a place.
Enrolment form
Enrol in Intro to Robotics
Fill in the form below and we'll confirm your child's place and send payment details. Questions first? Email [email protected].