Geelong students to test robotics skills against the world

ROBOTICS students from Geelong Lutheran College (GLC) will compete in international events this year following their success at the inaugural LEGO league national championships.

Seven students from Year 7 to Year 9 will compete in the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) 2024 Championship, against 160 teams representing 90 countries.

The competition will take place in Houston, Texas from April 17-20.

In July, a further five Grade 6 students will head to Sydney for the Asia Pacific Open Competition.

At both events, students will compete against teams from other schools to design, build and program LEGO robots that will complete a series of missions in a tournament that combines the excitement of sports with the rigours of science.

GLC head of college Jill Lange-Mohr said the school was “thrilled and excited” for the participating students and their coaches and congratulated them on their hard work.

“The whole GLC community is behind our SEMANTICS teams, and we look forward to them flying the GLC and Australian flags at [this] year’s international competitions in Sydney and Houston.

“The teams’ successes are a testament to our students, Mrs and Mr Hollet [the team’s coaches] for their mentorship and leadership, and how our College’s STEM curriculum and SEMANTICS extra-curricular program are setting up our students for a bright future ahead.”

A $15,000 federal sponsorship grant will go towards the teams’ travel expenses.

Corangamite federal member Libby Coker said the grant aimed to support STEM education and increase the number of students taking part in local and overseas STEM events.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the remarkable Geelong Lutheran College robotics teams.

“Their exceptional talent and dedication have earned them a prestigious STEM grant, enabling them to represent our community on the global stage.

“This grant is not just a recognition of their technical prowess, but a testament to their perseverance and commitment to excellence.

“With this support, they will have the opportunity to travel overseas and compete in an international robotics competition, showcasing their ingenuity and innovation to the world.

“Their success not only inspires their peers but also highlights the importance of investing in STEM education for the future.”