Wavell State High School is celebrating a milestone moment as its students make standout achievements across robotics and engineering, showcasing the strong STEM culture growing at the heart of the Wavell Heights community. From a robotics team heading to a national championship for the first time to Year 10 engineers building and racing their own 3D-printed creations, the school is proving that innovation is becoming one of its defining strengths.
WSHS Robotics Team Qualifies for National Championships
For the first time, students from Wavell State High School (WSHS) have earned a place at the FIRST Tech Challenge Australian Championships this December in Sydney. According to the school’s announcement, the team — Liam, Zahra and Kathrina — not only qualified for the national stage but also earned the Judges Award at regionals.
The FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is a high-level robotics competition where students design, build and program robots to complete engineering challenges. It draws teams from across Australia and internationally, with the Sydney championship serving as the gateway to the world titles.
The team’s success is supported by mentor Eli McMillan and BotBuilders, a group known for guiding robotics teams across Queensland and around the world. Their involvement has helped WSHS students strengthen their technical skills and gain experience in competitive STEM environments.
Year 10 Engineers Race Ahead
STEM achievement continued in the school’s engineering classrooms, where Year 10 students have been working through a hands-on mechanical engineering project built around mousetrap-powered cars.
Throughout the term, students researched successful designs, developed prototypes, produced detailed 3D models and brought their creations to life using the school’s 3D printers. The project culminated in the end-of-term race, where Callum Kearney took first place and secured his name on the Year 10 Perpetual Engineering Championship Plaque.
The task encouraged critical thinking, design refinement and practical problem-solving — essential skills that mirror real-world engineering processes.
A School Growing in Strength and Opportunity
Wavell State High School, located on Telopia Avenue, has long been known for its diverse curriculum and strong Programs of Excellence in areas like dance, drama, music, netball and rugby league. Now its achievements in robotics and engineering highlight an evolving focus on innovation, technology and future-ready skills.
Guided by the school motto Esse Quam Videri — “To be rather than to seem to be” — WSHS continues to build a learning environment where students are encouraged to explore, create and push themselves further.
The recent wins in robotics and engineering show that Wavell State High is not only honouring its long-standing traditions but also shaping a new reputation as a school where STEM pathways thrive.
Published 30-Nov-2025
