Curro Durbanville High School learners excel in Coding and Robotics
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Twins Aiden and Blane Ernstzen from Curro Durbanville High School excel in Coding and Robotics. After being unable to take part in Coding and Robotics Club for almost a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Aiden and Blane Ernstzen were among the first learners to join when the Robotics Club at Curro Durbanville reopened in 2021. The twin brothers, then in Grade 5, threw themselves into the world of robotics with determination and curiosity. Under the guidance of their coach, Mr Christo Spies, they quickly advanced from building basic robots to tackling complex programming and engineering challenges. Their natural teamwork and problem-solving skills soon set them apart. In 2023, the twins’ efforts paid off when they achieved 2nd place at the Western Cape Provincial World Robot Olympiad (WRO), earning them a place at the National Finals. That same year, they also excelled in the Inter-Curro Robotics competitions, winning both the Provincial and National titles — a highlight in their growing journey.
Determined to build on this success, Aiden and Blane returned to the WRO stage stronger than ever. In both 2024 and 2025, they went on to win Gold at the Western Cape Provincial WRO, once again proudly representing Curro Durbanville at Nationals. This year they are ranking 7th in South Africa in their category. Aiden and Blane have become role models in the Coding and Robotics Club, known for their creativity, resilience, and willingness to support younger learners. Now in Grade 9, they continue their journey under the guidance of their new coach, Mr Ruhan Jv Rensburg, who will build on the strong foundation laid by Mr Spies. Reflecting on their journey, Mr Spies shared: “Handing Aiden and Blane over to their new coach is a bittersweet moment for me. Watching them grow from curious Grade 5 learners into confident, accomplished competitors has been a privilege. I look forward to seeing how they will continue to shine at the next level.” The Ernstzen twins’ story is an inspiration to their peers and a proud chapter in Curro Durbanville’s commitment to preparing learners for a future driven by technology and innovation.
