As Hefei continues to establish itself as a major centre for technology and innovation, IGS brings this dynamic spirit onto campus through its Computing and Robotics Club, a flagship initiative that reflects the school’s commitment to STEAM education. By combining German educational rigour with international creativity, IGS enables learners to explore, create and innovate in meaningful ways.
Beyond Coding: Developing Young Thinkers
The IGS Computing and Robotics Club is a learning space built around fun, interaction and discovery. Using digital technology as a gateway to STEAM learning, students explore emerging technologies and work together on creative, hands-on projects.
This approach closely reflects the philosophy of lead teacher Jenalyn Manalo Yerro: computer education is not simply about learning to code, but about developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Under her guidance, students build essential digital literacy while also strengthening collaboration, communication and teamwork. In this way, they grow not only in technical ability, but also in confidence and character.
Inspired by Hefei’s Technological Environment
With Hefei’s rapid growth in smart technology and advanced industries, IGS draws on the city’s strengths and turns them into inspiring learning opportunities for students.
Earlier initiatives, such as introducing a robotic dog to the IGS Kindergarten, gave younger learners an exciting first encounter with technology. Children watched the robot jump and roll, guided it around obstacles, and even made it shake hands. Through play, they were introduced to scientific thinking in an engaging and memorable way.
This hands-on experience reflects Ms Yerro’s vision of preparing children for a fast-changing digital world through meaningful and enjoyable encounters with technology.
In the Computing and Robotics Club, students build LEGO gymnastic robots, assemble racing cars and motorcycles, and take on a range of other practical challenges. Through these activities, they develop adaptability, independence and real-world problem-solving skills.
As Ms Yerro explains, this kind of applied learning helps students gain not only technical knowledge, but also the mindset needed for future study and life beyond school.
Collaboration and Perseverance: Valuable Lessons Through Technology
Failure is a natural part of experimentation, and an important part of learning. Ms Yerro often reminds her students: “Failure is just the first step towards figuring things out.”
When sensors do not work as expected or code fails to run, students learn to share ideas, support one another and work together to solve problems. This reflects the true spirit of STEAM: bringing together knowledge and skills from different areas to address real challenges.
The club has created a culture in which mistakes are seen as part of the learning process, curiosity is valued, and students gain confidence by helping one another bring ambitious ideas to life.
From early experiences with the robotic dog to increasingly advanced STEAM projects, IGS is building a rich and connected technology-focused learning journey for its students. As Hefei continues to move forward as a city shaped by innovation, IGS uses early and purposeful technology education to support well-rounded growth across Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics.
Each lesson and each new discovery helps build a bridge to the future. At IGS, students are developing into forward-looking global citizens: young people with international perspective, strong local roots, and the creativity and resilience to thrive in tomorrow’s world.