In early 2025, St Andrews International School Bangkok took a bold step forward in STEM education by introducing the VEX CTE Workcell into the IGCSE Computer Science curriculum. This powerful educational tool simulates how code controls hardware and systems, mirroring the automation used in modern manufacturing, factories, and the automotive industry.
When the Workcell first arrived, it was not fully operational. What followed was a remarkable example of student-led innovation. Year 11 students Mathias and Mikkii, working closely with Mr Rob, Computer Science Teacher and VEX Robotics Lead, took on the challenge of bringing the system to life through a research-driven project.
Student-led innovation in action
Mathias led the programming of the robotic arm, enabling it to interact seamlessly with conveyor belts and pneumatic systems. Drawing on his Design Technology expertise, he also developed custom CAD models and 3D-printed components to enhance the system’s functionality. One standout contribution was the design of specialised containers to hold and sort disks, which are small but critical elements that significantly improved efficiency.
The result was more than a fully functioning Workcell. It established a strong foundation for future teaching and learning, with the system now embedded within the Computer Science programme. Students gain hands-on experience of how digital systems control real-world physical processes, bridging theory with practical application.
Expanding impact and inspiring others
The project quickly extended beyond St Andrews. In June 2025, the school hosted VEX training days for 12 international schools, with the Workcell as a central focus. Mathias presented his case study, demonstrating how automation and manufacturing concepts can be applied in the classroom and inspiring wider adoption across Computer Science and Design Technology.
This work reflects a broader shift towards future-focused learning, where students actively design, build, and solve problems using technology, while deepening their understanding of areas such as databases, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
Recognition at the ASEAN School Awards 2026
In 2026, St Andrews was named a Finalist in the EdTech Program Award category at the ASEAN School Awards, recognising excellence and innovation in education across Southeast Asia. The school’s submission highlighted how the VEX CTE Workcell is integrated into the IGCSE Computer Science curriculum, enabling students to build and program robotic systems that simulate real-world industrial processes.
Although the school did not take home the award, being shortlisted highlights its strong commitment to innovative, future-ready education and its focus on developing students as creators, designers, and problem-solvers.
Watch Mathias’s interview sharing his experience programming the VEX CTE Workcell:
