In a heartening display of generosity and educational foresight, Grey Junior School is set to embark on an exciting new chapter in its curriculum. The catalyst for this transformative initiative comes from none other than Professor Derek Boyd, a distinguished Old Boy hailing from the Class of 1959.
Professor Boyd, currently serving as Professor Emeritus of Physics at the Institute for Research in Electronics & Applied Physics in Maryland, US, reached out to The Grey in 2023 with a generous offer. Recognizing the importance of equipping students with skills for the future, he graciously proposed a contribution to the school’s educational curriculum.
Thanks to the assistance of John Wannenburg, Chairman of The Grey Foundation Americas, Professor Boyd’s offer found a receptive audience in Grey Junior’s Headmaster, Grant Butler. Embracing the opportunity to enrich the educational experience of Grey Junior students, Headmaster Butler swiftly developed the proposal. The result? A pioneering venture into the realms of Robotics & Coding, slated for launch in 2025. The wheels are already in motion, with the project progressing steadily towards its scheduled debut. From equipment procurement to venue preparation and curriculum development, every aspect of the endeavour underscores Grey Junior’s unwavering commitment to excellence in education.


One of the most promising aspects of the initiative is the introduction of microbits into the school’s IT labs. This marks the beginning of a preparatory and experimental phase, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive Coding & Robotics programme. With the support and collaboration of Grey High School and Nelson Mandela University, the initiative is poised to align seamlessly with broader educational objectives.
Moreover, partnerships with esteemed institutions promise exciting opportunities for student engagement, including participation in prestigious Lego League Robotics Competitions. Through these collaborative efforts, Grey Junior students will not only gain invaluable technical skills but also cultivate teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation – qualities essential for success in the 21st century.
Mr Butler has nailed Grey Junior’s colours to the mast of tech-integrated teaching and learning, stating that, “The way that young people view and interact with the world has changed and technology is the lens through which they see most clearly. The assimilation of technology into our homes, work places and even our relationships is being referred to as the 4th Industrial Revolution and it is imperative that we integrate it into our classrooms and into our pedagogics – our method of teaching and understanding of how learning happens. In order to remain relevant and competitive, Grey Junior needs to ensure that our boys are ‘future-ready’; tech savvy, empowered to take ownership/responsibility for their own learning. Top schools are no longer asking, ‘Why?’ when it comes to EdTech, coding and robotics. In fact, leading educationalists are looking at schools that have no plans to integrate technology and asking, ‘Why not?’ No one chooses to be left behind.”
As the countdown to 2025 continues, the anticipation among students, faculty, and the broader Grey community is palpable. With Professor Derek Boyd’s generous contribution paving the way, Grey Junior School is poised to lead the charge in preparing the leaders and innovators of tomorrow.
Indeed, it’s a time of excitement, innovation, and boundless possibilities at Grey Junior School. Watch this space as we embark on this thrilling journey towards a future filled with promise and potential.