Aidan Curtis
MOUNT Gambier High School students are riding high after coming away with the win at the annual STEM Innovation Experience (STEMIE) run by University of South Australia.
The win has made competition history, with Mount Gambier High being the first team to win twice.
In addition, this year was the first year that STEMIE was opened up to interstate schools, making Mount Gambier High the first national winners of the contest.
The school has added to its accolades as its first win in 2016 was also the first time regional schools had been invited to participate in the competition.
Mount Gambier High maths coordinator Karen Henman said it was very exciting to win this year and it was a real credit to the teamwork her students displayed.
“For each of the teams, they all had very capable students, but I think the difference for our team this year would be just how well they gelled as a team,” Ms Henman said.
“As a group, even though they worked on different sections, as they were working on them, they very much helped each other.
“The trip to Adelaide, playing silly games on the bus and all those sorts of things meant they felt really comfortable together, and that teamwork makes a huge difference.”
Ms Henman said taking part in STEMIE was one of the highlights of her teaching career.
“It certainly challenges the students, it’s not an easy competition to be involved in, but what they get out of it is well worth the effort put in,” she said.
“The growth in students is amazing, it’s great to see.”
Year 11 student Molly said the experience was a fun, technical challenge overall and allowed her to expand on her knowledge and skills.
“The team began working on the challenges for the Regional competition back in term two, so to win the regional competition and then travel to Adelaide for the national competition was a great end to a good six months of hard work,” she said.
Year 10 student Jordan said he and the team wanted to thank Ms Henman and all the staff involved in helping the team win.
“Without Mrs Henman’s encouragement and guidance we would not have been as successful,” he said.
This sentiment was echoed by fellow team member Zeb, a Year 11, who also said he was really proud of the efforts from each person involved.
Mount Gambier High is now looking to next year in the hopes of backing up their success once again.
