The Sunshine Coast Grammar School Senior Robotics team, the Iron Lions (#24089), delivered an outstanding performance at the prestigious FIRST Tech Challenge National Championships in Sydney in December 2024.
Competing against 48 of Australia’s most talented teams, the Iron Lions showcased remarkable skills, resilience, and creativity, earning them second place overall and the coveted Innovate Award.
What is the FIRST Tech Challenge?
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is an international not-for-profit program that promotes STEM education to students aged 4 to 18.
The competition was a display of engineering excellence and teamwork. The Iron Lions made a significant mark with a series of standout achievements. During the robot games, they set an event-high score and secured a national solo record. This feat was made even more impressive by their quick thinking when their alliance partner’s robot failed to start. These accomplishments advanced the team to the playoff rounds.
In the playoffs, the Iron Lions demonstrated resilience and teamwork as they supported their alliance partner, whose robot faced technical challenges. Despite the setbacks, the Iron Lions fought valiantly, displaying true Grammar grit until the final match.
Robotics at Sunshine Coast Grammar School
Principal Anna Owen praised the team’s achievements, stating that the Iron Lions, as well as their teachers and mentors, Mr Pembroke and Mrs Gahan, have exemplified the values we hold dear at Sunshine Coast Grammar School: creativity, determination, and collaboration. Their accomplishments on the national stage are a testament to their hard work and innovation, and we couldn’t be prouder.
“The Iron Lions’ stellar performance reflects the growing prominence of robotics at Sunshine Coast Grammar School and the opportunities provided to students to engage with cutting-edge STEM education. The team’s dedication and sportsmanship were an inspiration to all who interacted with them during the competition,” said Mrs Owen.
Their efforts were recognised with the Innovate Award, a major accolade that celebrates creativity and ingenuity in robot design. The award criteria included design, consistency, portfolio and thinking.
What to read next…
Sunshine Coast Grammar School celebrates 5-Star Sustainability
Nurturing tomorrow’s innovators at Sunshine Coast Grammar School
