Glen Innes High School students have impressed at the recent Science and Engineering Challenge regional event in Inverell, placing first on the day and securing second place in the Northern zone—a region that spans from north of Newcastle to the Queensland and South Australian borders.
The Science and Engineering Challenge is a national STEM competition run across New South Wales and beyond, designed to inspire Year 9 and 10 students by immersing them in hands-on science and engineering tasks. Each participating school enters a team of 32 students, who work in groups of four to complete a series of problem-solving activities.
Challenges include constructing lightweight yet strong bridges, designing wind turbines, building weatherproof houses suitable for Antarctic conditions, and creating model aeroplanes capable of flying the furthest and landing with precision. Other tasks test students on efficient wiring to power a simulated city, building effective fish traps, devising public transport timetables, and sending messages using codes.
“The bridge build is the highlight event,” said a school spokesperson. “Students must build a bridge out of limited resources that can tolerate the most weight. This is worth the most points and viewed by all students and staff to conclude the event.”
At the Inverell-based Sapphire City Zone event, Glen Innes High competed against schools from Tenterfield, Ashford, Warialda, and Inverell, including Holy Trinity School. Their strong performance placed them 7th overall in New South Wales across public, Catholic, and independent schools.
The State Final will be held at the University of Newcastle on 26 August. Only the winning school from each regional challenge day progresses to this level. Glen Innes High will be vying for a spot in the National Final.
