Clubs & Societies: VEX IQRC and V5RC Club
Co-curricular activities welcome likeminded students and staff to nurture passions and indulge interests, forging friendships which span across classes and year groups. Our current provision is extensive, numbering at over one hundred and fifty options, with more growing each year. Each week, we seek to celebrate one of the many clubs and societies that form part of the rich fabric of Merchant Taylors’.
This week we look at VEX IQRC and V5RC Club a space for creativity, strategy and robots.
Every Tuesday and Thursday Hour, and Friday after school, a group of enthusiastic students gather not for more homework, but for a chance to dive into the thrilling world of competitive robotics. Welcome to the VEX IQRC and V5RC Club, where creativity meets coding, and gears turn ideas into reality.
What is VEX IQRC and V5RC?
VEX IQRC (VEX IQ Robotics Competition) is designed for younger students, typically in primary and middle school, and focuses on hands-on, snap-together robots. These robots are programmed using block-based coding (VEXcode IQ), making it an ideal starting point for beginners in robotics and engineering.
On the other hand, VEX V5RC (VEX V5 Robotics Competition) targets more advanced secondary school students. V5 robots are metal-framed, driven by powerful motors, and coded using C++ or Python. The level of complexity and design freedom is higher, encouraging deeper exploration into mechanical engineering and programming.
A Place to Innovate
The club is more than just an extracurricular activity—it’s a playground for future engineers, programmers, and designers. Students work in teams to brainstorm, build, and fine-tune their robots to meet the season’s challenge, a dynamic and evolving competition task that tests both strategy and technical skill.
Whether it's lifting objects, navigating obstacles, or scoring points with precision, the club fosters real-world problem-solving, time management, and team collaboration.
A Year of Challenge and Achievement
Each year, teams prepare for regional and national competitions. Club members experience the full engineering process: from concept sketches and CAD designs, to debugging autonomous routines and driving under pressure.
In past seasons, the club has celebrated several notable achievements—ranging from design awards to national wins—testament to the commitment and creativity of its members.
Beyond Robotics
What sets this club apart is its culture of support and mentorship. Senior V5RC students often guide younger IQRC participants, creating a collaborative atmosphere where everyone learns. The club also opens doors to STEM careers, with students gaining early exposure to concepts in mechanics, electronics, software, and project management.
For many, it's not just about the robot—it's about building confidence, friendships, and a passion for innovation that lasts well beyond the competition floor.