Margaret River Senior High School science squad claims fourth at national science and engineering challenge

A crack team of student scientists have claimed a top honour at the National Science and Engineering Challenge in Bendigo, Victoria.

Flying out last week representing the hopes of the region, the Margaret River Senior High School team of Year 10 students came fourth in the overall competition and was the top public school — and the only public school competing.

Teacher Andrea West congratulated the students for their efforts against private school teams who had competed multiple times previously.

“The students had the most incredible time away competing and enjoying Bendigo and Melbourne,” she said.

“After the competition, the students went to a gold mine, a Chinese museum, and had fun playing laser tag, although they were too fast for me.”

MRSHS head of science Liam Smith commended the youngsters for their conduct while representing the school and the State.

“The kids were noted as being polite and excellent guests by everyone who dealt with them,” he said.

In August, MRSHS scored their chance to compete in Victoria after winning at the State level, thereafter furiously fundraising to make the trip with their three teachers.

Ms West said her young charges were well prepared for the trip after beating out 70 other WA high schools.

“This group of students have volunteered to do extra training through their lunchtimes and are a credit to this community in both their behaviour and focus on gaining success,” she said.

The students formed teams to compete against champion schools from across Australia in a series of engineering challenges.

Ms West said the puzzles called on the students to draw deep on their science knowledge to solve engineering problems innovatively.

Challenges ranged from building hovercraft, bridge building, earthquake-proof buildings, designing electrical grids, and making four-wheel-drive suspension systems.

Parents and friends of the school community who helped support the trip were thanked deeply, with local Lions and Rotary major backers along with the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River and other businesses.