Part 1: Saturday 12th September 2026 (full day PL @ SSERC)

Part 2: Thursday 28th January 2027 (online twilight session 3.30-5.00pm) 

The following professional learning opportunity from SSERC includes the loan of an entire class kit of VEX AIM, starting from the face to face day at SSERC and lasting around 16 school weeks. This will allow delegates to instantly apply their learning in their setting, focussing on small groups, class or whole school implementation, as well as sharing with staff in their school.

VEX AIM is the brand new robot created by VEX Robotics to support in primary and secondary classrooms and provides everything you need for delivering engaging, interactive computing science experiences in your settings. VEX AIM seeks to turn Computing Science concepts into visible and tangible outcomes, with learners able to see their code come to life.

VEX AIM is designed to make coding accessible and engaging, with various advanced movement capabilities, vast customisation options and the addition of AI powered vision. Whether your learners are new to coding or ready to tackle more advanced programming, AIM provides flexible and interactive learning experiences for all levels:

Drive First

The AIM Robot can be controlled by the One Stick Controller, so students can drive the robot before coding it. Driving the robot to complete a task allows students to experience how the robot interacts with its environment, with buttons to drive, kick, play sounds and trigger LEDS, as well as various animations on the LED screen showing AIM’s personality and expressions as you drive.

Beginner Coding

VEX AIM includes a completely unplugged touch button interface on the screen, so beginner coders can make the robot move, turn and kick directly using the robot’s screen before beginning with VEXcode Blocks.

From Block Coding to Python

Students can then code the AIM Robot using VEXcode AIM Blocks (app or browser based coding platform) and for those who are advancing beyond block based coding, there is the option to code using Python. To help with the transition from block to text based coding, the VEXcode AIM platform includes ‘Switch’ to allow students to see the python code behind blocks of code.

Engage Students with Exciting Game-Based Coding Activities

Learners will engage with VEX AIM via a variety of game-based activities such as an interactive football game or competing in robot barrel races. The AIM Robot has a three-wheeled holonomic drivetrain that allows it to move in any direction, and a built in gyro and accelerometer for moving with precision. A magnetized kicker on the front of the robot can grasp, kick, or place objects like Balls or Barrels across a Field – or even to another robot! These unique robot features open the door to a host of exciting game-based activities.

Teach Essential AI Concepts

The AIM Robot’s built-in AI Vision Sensor provides an easily accessible way to build student understanding of fundamental AI concepts, such as computer perception. The AI Vision Sensor can detect pre-trained objects, such as the Balls and Barrels that come with the Kit, and even other AIM Robots. It can also detect colors, combinations of colors, and AprilTags.

If you are looking to enhance your Digital and Computing Science focus in your school, get staff engaged, have STEM/Technologies on your School Improvement Plan or are working towards your Digital Schools Award Scotland, then this course will provide the learning and the resources to make a huge impact.

Spaces are limited due to the amount of resources we provide to schools, so apply below now to ensure you can take advantage of this opportunity.