Years 2–6
Primary Track
Foundational engineering, robotics confidence, building, coding foundations, teamwork and problem-solving through guided projects.
Robotics & Computer Science
Applied Robotics & Engineering Academy
Where students learn to think like engineers. Students design, build, program, test and refine real robotic systems through structured projects that bring together engineering, coding, problem-solving and systems thinking. Term classes for Years 2–8.
Enrolment Open · 2027$380 per term8 sessions · 90 minutesYears 2–8Max 12 students per instructorExplore Robotics & Computer Science Programs
Programme overview
Engineering thinking through hands-on projects
The Applied Robotics & Engineering Academy helps primary and secondary learners develop engineering thinking, problem-solving, confidence and systems understanding through practical robotics challenges.
Students work through guided projects that ask them to plan, build, program, test, identify problems, iterate and improve — learning through experimentation and persistence rather than simply following construction instructions.
Practical building is supported by essential engineering theory, so students understand why a system behaves as it does — not just how to assemble it.
Core learning cycle
Think like an engineer
- Design
- Build
- Program
- Test
- Improve
Engineering is an iterative process. Students develop an idea, build and program a system, observe what happens, identify problems and make purposeful improvements. A solution does not need to work perfectly the first time — testing and refinement are part of the learning.
Student learning tracks
Challenge matched to each learner.
Years 7–8
Lower Secondary Track
More complex engineering challenges, deeper systems thinking, increased independence, more advanced programming, testing and optimisation.
Years 9–12
Senior Secondary Extension
Advanced coaching and mentoring — complex robotics projects, competition preparation, technical mentoring and pathway development towards senior secondary study. Arranged separately from the Years 2–8 term classes.
Why families choose us
Six reasons families choose the Robotics Academy
Real-world engineering projects
Students work with physical robotic systems — motors, sensors, mechanisms and controllers. Active creation, not screen-only learning.
Purposeful coding
Block-based and, where appropriate, text-based programming makes robots behave purposefully and solve real challenges.
Guided learning at the right level
Primary and Lower Secondary tracks adjust projects and expectations to each learner’s experience and progression.
Recognition of progress
Optional certification opportunities recognise learning milestones and support student motivation.
Expert coaching & small groups
Experienced robotics coaches guide students through questions, feedback, practical challenges and problem-solving.
Purposeful use of technology
Programming is balanced with hands-on building, testing and teamwork. Technology is a creation tool, not passive consumption.
Curriculum & learning focus
What students learn
Engineering design
- · Structures
- · Mechanisms
- · Stability
- · Motion
- · Mechanical relationships
- · Design choices
Robotics systems
- · Mechanical components
- · Motors
- · Sensors
- · Controllers
- · Software working as one system
Coding & logic
- · Control movement
- · Sequence actions
- · Respond to conditions
- · Solve challenges
- · Automate behaviours
Sensors & decision-making
- · Sense conditions
- · Receive inputs
- · Apply programmed rules
- · Make defined decisions
- · Respond to the environment
Testing & iteration
- · Observe behaviour
- · Diagnose problems
- · Change designs
- · Modify code
- · Improve performance
Systems thinking
- · Hardware and software
- · Inputs and outputs
- · Mechanical design
- · Program logic
Problem-solving
- · Break challenges into parts
- · Test assumptions
- · Compare approaches
- · Learn from unexpected outcomes
Teamwork & communication
- · Share ideas
- · Explain decisions
- · Listen
- · Divide tasks
- · Review outcomes
Core learning platform
VEX IQ Robotics System
VEX IQ is the primary platform in the Academy — an internationally used educational robotics system that lets students explore mechanical construction, motors, gears and mechanisms, sensors, controllers, coding, autonomous behaviour and engineering challenges.
Additional platforms
Edison · Ozobot
Advanced platforms
VEX V5 · Arduino systems
Different platforms may be introduced where appropriate to the learner, project, progression and available programme resources.
Extended learning opportunities
As students progress, selected projects may introduce:
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD) — digital design and visualisation of components or systems.
- Foundational artificial intelligence — how inputs, sensors, rules and decisions let systems respond, plus responsible AI concepts. Sensor logic and rule-based control are taught as foundations of intelligent systems, not as generative AI.
- Virtual or simulated environments — connected to engineering, coding or robotics learning.
How students learn
A practical, supportive and inclusive small-group environment. Students learn through questions, experimentation, constructive feedback, testing, reflection and iteration — guided by our Coaching · Mentoring · Care approach.
Programme format
A structured, term-based after-school programme of 8 sessions per term, designed for progressive development — not a one-off workshop.
- Each term contains structured projects
- New challenges are introduced each term
- Learning builds over multiple terms
- Students can join at the start of any term
- Returning students progress to more demanding work
Who it’s for
Years 2–8 learners who:
- Are curious about technology
- Enjoy making and building
- Like figuring out how things work
- Enjoy practical challenges
- Want to learn coding through application
- Are interested in engineering
- Are new to robotics — or already have experience
No prior robotics or coding experience is required.
Forge Learning Platform
Learning continues beyond the robotics table.
The Forge Learning App complements the physical robotics experience with coding pathways, robotics reflection journals, certification tracking, project portfolio evidence and AI-supported practice.
- Coding pathways
- Robotics reflection
- Certification tracking
- Project portfolio
- AI-supported practice
Learning progression
Build capability over time.
Multiple terms allow greater depth, but students can enter at any term starting point.
Start
Learn foundational building, coding and robotics concepts through guided projects.
Develop
Build stronger mechanical, coding and systems understanding.
Apply
Use skills to solve increasingly complex engineering challenges.
Extend
Explore advanced robotics, engineering, coding and competition opportunities where appropriate.
Joining the academy
Start at the beginning of an available term.
Each term introduces new projects, so suitable new students can join without completing earlier terms, while returning students are challenged at the right level. Not sure where to begin?
What might students work on?
Projects that grow each term.
Projects vary by term and progression. Examples include:
- Building robotic mechanisms
- Programming movement
- Designing attachments
- Using motors
- Programming sensors
- Creating autonomous behaviours
- Solving navigation challenges
- Testing mechanisms
- Debugging programs
- Improving performance
- Completing engineering challenges
- Documenting design thinking
- Collaborating on team challenges
Engineering + coding
Where physical design meets computational thinking.
Software decisions affect physical behaviour, and mechanical decisions affect what software can achieve. Robotics connects engineering, coding, mathematics, design, systems thinking and problem-solving.
2027 classes & enrolment
Choose your robotics class
In-person term classes. Each location runs on its own weekday, and every term is 8 weeks.
Enrolment Open
Forest Hill College
- Burwood East
- Mondays, 6:00pm – 7:30pm
- Terms 1–4 2027 · 8 sessions per term
- Years 2–8 · max 12 per instructor
- Core platform: VEX IQ
$380 per term
Enrol NowEnrolment Open
Narre Warren
- South-east Melbourne
- Tuesdays
- Terms 1–4 2027 · 8 sessions per term
- Years 2–8 · max 12 per instructor
- Core platform: VEX IQ
$380 per term
Enrol NowEnrolment Open
Chadstone
- South-east Melbourne
- Thursdays
- Terms 1–4 2027 · 8 sessions per term
- Years 2–8 · max 12 per instructor
- Core platform: VEX IQ
$380 per term
Enrol NowRobotics classes are available only at the locations listed. View all learning locations
Term schedule
2027 term dates
Forest Hill College (Mondays)
- Term 1
- Mon 1 Feb – Mon 22 Mar 2027
- Excl. Mon 8 Mar (Labour Day). Make-up session in Term 2.
- Term 2
- Mon 12 Apr – Mon 31 May 2027
- Mon 7 Jun: make-up session for select students only.
- Term 3
- Mon 12 Jul – Mon 30 Aug 2027
- Term 4
- Mon 4 Oct – Mon 22 Nov 2027
Narre Warren (Tuesdays)
- Term 1
- Tue 2 Feb – Tue 23 Mar 2027
- Term 2
- Tue 13 Apr – Tue 1 Jun 2027
- Term 3
- Tue 13 Jul – Tue 31 Aug 2027
- Term 4
- Tue 5 Oct – Tue 30 Nov 2027
- Excl. Tue 2 Nov (Melbourne Cup).
Chadstone (Thursdays)
- Term 1
- Thu 4 Feb – Thu 25 Mar 2027
- Term 2
- Thu 15 Apr – Thu 3 Jun 2027
- Term 3
- Thu 15 Jul – Thu 2 Sep 2027
- Term 4
- Thu 7 Oct – Thu 2 Dec 2027
Full payment is required before each term begins to confirm a student’s place. Standard terms and conditions apply.
New to the academy?
Begin with a Starter Session
A Starter Session gives students an opportunity to experience the Academy’s hands-on learning approach before joining a full term. Students meet the learning environment, try an age-appropriate robotics activity and discover whether the programme is a good fit.
Learning support
We want every student to participate meaningfully. If your child has additional learning needs, contact us before enrolment so we can discuss the programme environment and appropriate support.
NDIS invoicing
We can provide invoices and receipts for self-managed or plan-managed NDIS participants. Email us your NDIS plan type after enrolment.
Explore robotics competition opportunities.
Innovate Forge Academy builds on a deep heritage of robotics competition preparation. Students can explore competition and challenge opportunities as they become available — separate from term enrolment.
Explore CompetitionsBuilt on established robotics education experience.
The Applied Robotics & Engineering Academy builds on the established robotics education experience of Innovate Technology & Robotics Academy and now forms part of the broader Innovate Forge Academy learning model.
From our families
What parents say
“What an incredible experience and wonderful memories made over the year! Thank you team for making this happen. Sue and Gary, we cannot thank you enough for motivating and guiding them all the way. ❤️”
“Thank you Sue and Gary! Encourage them to be themselves! It’s so good to know new friends, not just children, but also parents! Wish you all the best!”
Frequently asked
Robotics Academy questions.
Does my child need previous robotics experience?
No. Beginners are welcome and no prior robotics or coding experience is required. Experienced students are challenged at an appropriate level.
What robotics platform do students use?
VEX IQ is the primary learning system. Edison, Ozobot, VEX V5 and Arduino may be introduced where appropriate to the learner, project and progression.
Is coding included?
Yes. Programming is applied directly to robotics challenges — students see their code move and control a physical system, rather than learning coding only on screen.
Is the programme only about building robots?
No. Students develop engineering design, coding, testing, systems thinking, problem-solving and iteration skills.
How is each term different?
Each term introduces new projects and engineering challenges, so learning keeps progressing over time.
Can my child join in any term?
Yes. Students may join at the start of any term. Each term introduces new projects so new students can enter without disadvantage.
How long is the programme?
Each term runs for 8 weekly sessions of 90 minutes. Many families continue across multiple terms to build greater depth.
How much does the programme cost?
$380 per term. A Starter Session is $50.
Where are classes held?
2027 classes run at Forest Hill College (Mondays), Narre Warren (Tuesdays) and Chadstone (Thursdays).
What is the Starter Session?
A guided, hands-on introductory session where students try an age-appropriate robotics activity and discover whether the programme is a good fit. View Starter Sessions.
How do I enrol?
Enrol online at enrol.innovateforgeacademy.com. Full payment confirms a student’s place before the term begins.
Does Forge support the programme?
Yes. The Forge Learning App supports coding pathways, robotics reflection journals, certification tracking, project portfolios and AI-supported practice.
Are robotics competitions available?
Competition and challenge opportunities may be available separately and are not automatically included in term enrolment. Explore competitions.
Ready to join?
Ready to start building?
Explore current Applied Robotics & Engineering Academy sessions and enrol your child for the 2027 programme.