Drone Soccer Takes Flight in Schools | DSNZ Brings an Innovative Technology Lesson to Over 100 AJHS Students
Recently, Drone Soccer New Zealand (DSNZ) was invited to Albany Junior High School (AJHS) in Auckland to deliver an engaging drone soccer technology lesson to more than 100 students from Years 7–10.
Organised by the school's Technology Faculty and delivered during regular technology class time, the session marked a positive step towards integrating drone soccer into school-based technology education. Under the guidance of DSNZ coaches, students explored drone technology through hands-on flying activities, skills challenges and team competitions, experiencing a new approach to learning that brings technology and sport together.
Exploring Technology Through Hands-On Flying Challenges
The lesson began with an introduction to drone soccer, including basic flight controls and game rules, before progressing to precision flying, relay challenges and team-based drone soccer matches. Through these activities, students gradually developed their flying skills while gaining a more practical understanding of drone technology and its applications.
For students experiencing drone soccer for the first time, maintaining stable flight, judging distances, controlling movements precisely and completing set tasks required patience, practice and adjustments along the way. As the session progressed, more and more students became confident in their ability to control the drones and successfully complete the flying challenges.
The drone soccer matches brought an extra level of excitement. Students enthusiastically took part, navigating the fast-paced action, identifying opportunities and working together with teammates to complete their objectives. The atmosphere was full of energy and cheers, reflecting the students' enthusiasm and engagement throughout the session.
Bringing Technology and Sport Together Through Practical Learning
Drone soccer combines drone technology, competitive sport and teamwork, offering schools an engaging approach to hands-on technology education.
As students control their drones, they draw on spatial awareness, hand-eye coordination and logical thinking, continually adjusting their strategies. During matches, they must also react quickly, solve problems and communicate effectively with teammates.
These skills develop naturally through practice, experimentation and overcoming challenges. Along the way, students learn the value of perseverance, critical thinking and working towards shared goals, while building teamwork skills, a sense of achievement and greater confidence.
Positive Feedback from AJHS and Opportunities for Future Collaboration
The session received positive feedback from both students and staff at AJHS. Students remained actively engaged throughout the activities, while teachers recognised the interactive, practical nature of the lesson and the enthusiasm students demonstrated.
Following the session, AJHS shared highlights of the drone soccer lesson through its official Facebook page and communications with families, recognising the valuable hands-on learning opportunities it provided.
The school also expressed interest in welcoming DSNZ back to deliver further drone technology sessions, creating more opportunities for students to explore technology through practical learning experiences.
A New Opportunity for Technology Education in Schools
As technology education continues to evolve, finding ways to encourage active learning and connect classroom knowledge with real-world experiences is becoming increasingly important.
Bringing drone soccer into AJHS's regular technology classes, and receiving such positive feedback from students and staff, represents an important step in DSNZ's efforts to develop school-based technology education programmes. It also highlights the potential of this emerging technology sport as part of STEAM education.
Looking ahead, Drone Soccer New Zealand will continue working with schools across New Zealand to explore new ways of integrating drone soccer into classroom learning, helping more young people develop their skills and confidence through technology, hands-on exploration and team-based competition.