SSERC: VEX 123 (Class Loan Kit) *NEW COURSE*
VEX 123 (Class Loan Kit) *NEW COURSE*
Day 1 – 25th September 2025
Day 2 – 3rd February 2026 (online twilight)
Closing date for applications: 11th Septembert 2025
Vex 123 is an innovative resource that can be used to support learners and scaffold their learning throughout Early Years and Primary settings.
There are three methods of coding with VEX 123 – Touch buttons, the Coder with Coder cards, and the VEXcode 123 app, which provides access to various kinds of coding that can be carried out with the 123 Robot, as well as allowing educators greater flexibility in how they teach with VEX 123. Vex also provide an immense library of lessons (known as STEM Labs or activities) that can be accessed free of charge to compliment the use of Vex 123.
The same STEM Lab or Activity can be taught across multiple levels by adapting the coding method that is being used. Similarly, learners within the same class can complete the same activity using the coding methods that best meet their individual needs and developmental levels, ensuring differentiation.
As they work through the different methods available for coding, learner capacity for coding grows. They can begin with the unplugged methods of using the Touch buttons and the Coder and Coder cards, then expand to coding with VEXcode 123, which gives an opportunity to further enhance skills via a block-based platform that offers a wealth of coding opportunities and challenges.
While VEX 123 can be used to teach computer science, it can also be used to infuse computing science concepts into cross curricular lessons and capitalize on the engagement and motivation that the robot brings to classroom activities. VEX 123 curricular resources offer a variety of subject area connections to help you bring 123 into your classroom in ways that best meet your students’ needs and interests.
As part of this course, you will attend a full day PL session at SSERC to learn all about the VEX 123 robot, the Vex resources to support teaching with VEX 123 and essential understanding of the Computing Science concepts and approaches you will cover using the resource. At the end of the PL day, you will leave SSERC with a small class set to use in your setting for a loan period of approximately 16 school weeks, instantly allowing you to take the learning from the day and implement it within your class and possibly throughout your setting.
You can click here to learn more about VEX 123.
Audience
For Educators working in and around First and Second level CfE.
Rationale
This exciting professional learning practical course provides the opportunity for you to try out engaging STEM activities, inclusive of Computing Science elements, and to consider how they can be transferred to your own setting.
Course Leader
Kevin Reid: Kevin.Reid@sserc.scot
Location
Face to face full day session at SSERC – Thursday 25th September 2025
Live remote session on MS Teams – (3.30 – 5.30pm) – Monday 3rd February 2026
There will also be a short Gap Task to complete via MS Teams.
Each successful applicant will receive an invite to a SSERC Ltd guest teams account.
