Lakewood International Academy • Coding, Robotics, AI & App Development (Gr 4–9)
Lakewood International Academy • Coding, Robotics, AI & App Development • Grades 4–9

Low-Cost Coding, Robotics & AI Programme Proposal

A CAPS-aligned digital skills programme for Lakewood International Academy, using existing learner tablets and a shared set of robotics kits.

Executive Summary

Objective: Equip Grade 4–9 learners at Lakewood International Academy with future-ready skills in Coding, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and App Development, fully aligned to the national Coding & Robotics curriculum, with a once-off hardware investment of approximately R18,000 per class of 20 learners.

Why now?

  • Coding & Robotics is being introduced in CAPS for Grades R–9.
  • AI is rapidly reshaping the world of work and learning.
  • Positions Lakewood as a leading, innovative independent school.

What we use

  • Existing learner tablets + Wi-Fi at Lakewood.
  • Shared micro:bit coding boards & robot kits.
  • A small set of Arduino-class boards for senior grades.

Outcomes

  • Algorithmic & computational thinking.
  • Building and programming real robots.
  • Understanding AI, data and responsible use.
  • Creating basic mobile / web apps by Grade 9.

Curriculum Alignment

The programme aligns with the CAPS Coding & Robotics strands for Grades 4–9:

  • Algorithms & Coding
  • Robotics & Control
  • Electronics & Sensors
  • Pattern Recognition & Data Handling
  • Design & Computational Thinking projects
  • AI & Data Literacy – age-appropriate understanding of how AI works, where it is used, and responsible use of AI tools.

All projects and assessments can be mapped directly to CAPS term plans, ensuring compliance and clear reporting to parents, the Board and external quality assurers.

Programming & AI Pathway (Gr 4–9)

Grades 4–6

Block-based coding (MakeCode) Algorithms & Flowcharts Basic Robotics (micro:bit) Intro to AI concepts

Learners start with visual block coding on tablets to control lights, sounds, sensors and simple robots using the BBC micro:bit. AI is introduced through simple, visual activities – recognising patterns, understanding how computers “learn” from data, and discussing everyday AI (voice assistants, recommendations, etc.).

Grades 7–9

Text-based Python / MicroPython JavaScript (within MakeCode) Arduino C++ (control systems) App Inventor (mobile apps) Practical AI & ML projects*

Learners transition from blocks to real code, build more advanced robots using Arduino-style boards, and create simple mobile or web apps that interact with their devices. AI is explored using age-appropriate tools (e.g. image/voice classification demos, simple machine-learning models) plus a strong focus on ethics, bias and responsible use.

*AI work stays within age-appropriate boundaries: no personal data is collected from learners, and projects focus on understanding concepts, not on large-scale data collection.

Equipment Lakewood Needs to Purchase (Low-Budget Learner Hardware)

Learners already have tablets and the school has Wi-Fi. The only new investment for learners is a shared set of coding and robotics kits plus basic classroom infrastructure.

Item Purpose Qty Est. Unit Cost (ZAR) Est. Subtotal (ZAR)
micro:bit V2 Essentials Kits
Board + USB cable + battery holder
Example: PiShop – 10× micro:bit V2 Essentials Club Bundle 		Core coding board for Gr 4–9; used for algorithms, sensors, simple robots and AI-related sensing activities. 10 R 450 R 4 500
micro:bit Robot Car Kits
Chassis, motors, motor driver, sensors
Example: RoboFactory – Keyestudio micro:bit Smart Robot Car
Alternative: Mantech – Keyestudio Mini Smart Robot Car V2 (no micro:bit) 		Shared robots (1 per 4 learners) for line-following, obstacle avoidance, control systems and AI-style decision logic projects. 5 R 900 R 4 500
Arduino UNO R4 WiFi (or compatible)
Example: PiShop – Arduino Uno Rev 4 WiFi 		More advanced robotics & control for Gr 7–9 (traffic lights, gates, IoT-style projects and simple AI-driven responses). 5 R 600 R 3 000
Electronics & Sensor Packs
Breadboards, jumper wires, LEDs, buttons, buzzers, basic sensors
Example bundle: PiShop – SunFounder Elite Explorer Kit (Arduino + components) 		Hands-on electronics, prototyping and integration with micro:bit / Arduino; supports data-collection activities used in AI discussions. 5 R 500 R 2 500
Storage & Power
Lockable containers, labels, multi-plug extensions, surge protection 		Safe storage and reliable power for kits, chargers and classroom usage. 1 set R 2 000 R 2 000
Consumables & Spares
USB cables, batteries, small parts, replacement wheels, screws 		Ensures continuity of lessons even when parts are lost or damaged. — R 1 500 R 1 500
Estimated Once-Off Learner Hardware Investment R 18 000

This R18,000 budget is for learner hardware only and excludes educator AV equipment. Figures are conservative estimates based on current South African educational suppliers (PiShop, RoboFactory, Mantech, Communica, etc.). Final pricing will depend on brand choices, shipping and negotiated Lakewood school discounts.

Approx. R900 per learner (once-off) for hardware, assuming 20 learners using shared kits.
No annual licence fees for core coding tools (MakeCode, App Inventor, Arduino IDE and most AI demo tools are free).

Educator Classroom Toolkit (Optional – Separate from R18,000)

To run efficient, high-quality Coding, Robotics & AI lessons, the educator benefits from a small AV toolkit. This is a separate budget from the learner hardware and can be phased in later.

Item Purpose Qty Est. Unit Cost (ZAR) Est. Subtotal (ZAR)
Data Projector / Large Display Display code, AI demos and robot simulations to the whole class clearly. 1 R 10 000 R 10 000
Wireless Presenter / Clicker Allows the educator to move around the room while controlling slides and presentations. 1 R 600 R 600
HDMI Switch + Extra HDMI Cable Quickly switch between educator laptop and demo devices (e.g. AI / robotics showcase). 1 set R 800 R 800
Estimated Educator Toolkit Investment (Optional) R 11 400

This toolkit improves lesson delivery and visibility but is not essential for launching the learner-facing programme. It can be budgeted for separately under classroom AV / educator resources.

Suggested Local Suppliers (Examples)

All items are standard, widely used educational hardware, making it easy for Lakewood to replace or expand the programme later.

Sample Learning Progression (First Year at Lakewood)

Term 1 – Foundations of Coding (Gr 4–9)

  • Block-based coding on tablets (MakeCode) using micro:bit essentials kits.
  • CAPS-aligned focus on algorithms, sequences, loops and basic problem-solving.
  • Short discussion: “Where do we see AI in everyday life?” (voice assistants, maps, recommendations).
  • End-of-term outcome: learners build a simple digital project (e.g. reaction timer, step counter).

Term 2 – Robotics & Control

  • Introduce micro:bit robot car kits (shared in groups).
  • Line-following, obstacle-avoidance and basic autonomous behaviours.
  • Connect robot behaviour to simple “if/then” decision-making, similar to how AI makes choices using rules.
  • End-of-term outcome: small group challenge – design and code a robot to complete a course.

Term 3 – Electronics, Sensors & Data

  • Use electronics packs to connect LEDs, buzzers, buttons and sensors.
  • Collect simple data (e.g. light, distance, temperature) and visualise it.
  • Introduce age-appropriate AI activities: simple image/gesture recognition demos or Teachable Machine-style projects, with strong focus on bias and fairness.
  • Senior grades (7–9) begin text-based coding with Python / Arduino C++ for control systems.
  • End-of-term outcome: prototype “smart” systems (e.g. automatic gate, alarm, traffic light).

Term 4 – App Development, AI & Integration

  • Grades 7–9 use App Inventor or simple web technologies to create basic apps.
  • Where appropriate, apps can display sensor data, trigger robot actions or call safe AI-powered web services under teacher supervision.
  • Discuss responsible AI use, privacy, consent and digital citizenship.
  • End-of-year showcase at Lakewood: “Innovation Day” where learners present their robots, apps and AI demos to parents and the Board.

Return on Investment for Lakewood International Academy

  • Curriculum compliance: Directly supports the national Coding & Robotics curriculum for Grades 4–9, including AI and data literacy.
  • Marketing advantage: A visible, hands-on robotics, AI and app-development programme differentiates Lakewood in a competitive Johannesburg independent school market.
  • Scalable model: Once-off learner hardware purchase can be reused for multiple cohorts with minimal annual cost.
  • Pathway to further STEM: Prepares learners for FET subjects (IT, CAT, Engineering Graphics), external competitions, Olympiads and AI-related careers.

Decision requested: Approve an initial once-off capital budget of R18,000 for learner hardware to launch the Coding, Robotics, AI & App Development programme for one Grade 4–9 stream at Lakewood International Academy from January, with an optional separate educator toolkit budget of approximately R11,400 for AV equipment.