AUBURN HIGH SCHOOL ADVANCES TO STATE FINALS IN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING CHALLENGE
The annual Science and Engineering Challenge held at Deakin University last week was organised and strongly supported by members of the Rotary Clubs of Brighton and North Brighton, with additional support provided by the Rotary District 9800 Foundation. Rotarians from several other clubs also joined them over the two days to assist with the event. Representatives from the Rotary Clubs of Melbourne and Woodend were present, and I had the pleasure of representing Hawthorn.
Over two days, six secondary schools competed each day in a series of hands-on science and engineering challenges designed to test students’ creativity, teamwork, problem-solving skills and practical understanding of scientific and engineering principles. Teams of Year 10 students tackled a wide range of activities, earning points for both ingenuity and performance.
Among the competing schools was Auburn High School, which entered the competition as the reigning Victorian champion after winning the state title last year. Auburn again demonstrated the strength of its program, emerging as the highest-scoring school across both the Tuesday and Wednesday heats. As a result, the school now progresses to the Victorian State Final, to be held in Geelong later this year. The winner of the state final will go on to represent Victoria at the National Finals in Canberra.
The Rotary Club of Hawthorn was pleased to support Auburn High School last year by assisting with expenses associated with the school’s participation in the Victorian State Final, and we look forward to following the team’s progress again this year.
The Challenge is an exceptionally well-run program. The students competing on Wednesday were highly motivated, enthusiastic and impressively capable. It was a privilege to observe their teamwork, persistence and creativity as they tackled each challenge.
Equally impressive were the student volunteers from Deakin University who assisted with the event. Many were recent engineering graduates, and their enthusiasm, professionalism and willingness to mentor younger students made a significant contribution to the success of the program.
Further regional heats will be conducted at Monash University, Clayton, on 17 July, providing additional schools with the opportunity to participate in this outstanding program.
Programs such as the Science and Engineering Challenge provide an outstanding opportunity to encourage young people to consider future studies and careers in science, technology and engineering. Rotary is proud to continue supporting this valuable initiative and congratulates Auburn High School on its outstanding performance.