The Great STEAM Challenge IV 2026

What an amazing project this has been! 

For the past four years J J Cahill Memorial High School has been providing an enriching opportunity for High Potential and Gifted Education students from our local primary schools. Over three weeks, this initiative has brought four selected students from Botany Public School, Eastlakes Public School, Gardeners Road Public School and Mascot Public School together to participate in a STEAM project. Each student collaborated in mixed groups to design and build a solar-powered car which they competed against each other in the final week. Mentored and supported by J J Cahill Memorial High School students and staff. This interdisciplinary project was facilitated by expert staff from the Science, HSIE, Visual Arts and Industrial Arts faculties, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience. 

When we met during the first week, everyone was very quiet and unsure of what to expect. Upon arrival, they discovered they had to work in mixed groups with students from different primary schools. If you could have seen their faces when this was communicated! However, by the second week, the noise level roseth, e bus was alive with chatter, as were the group tables. By the third week, it was as if they had known each other for many years. Staff quickly discovered that this group of students was very capable and a High Performing High Potential group. They learned quickly, worked effectively, and everyone was impressed and enjoyed every week.

Working in their selected teams, students together created a car logo, designed and built their solar-powered car, completed a portfolio, reflected on the project and had a lot of fun along the way. 

This years selected High Potential and Gifted Education primary school students, had been provided with an introduction to the tools and skills necessary for future STEAM opportunities. They have learnt aspects of gearing, aerodynamics, speed, aesthetics and design. They have also developed skills in team work, collaboration and resilience. 

A special thank you to all our participating primary schools, the talented students, staff and their families for their support and attendance. 

We are deeply grateful to our dedicated staff - Mr R McLean, Mr S Smith, Ms S Batista De Mello and Mrs E Kasparian and Mr G Lucas.  Thank you for your leadership of the project with great commitment and Ms C Patten and Ms L Mougios for all of our promotions and administration support. Our heartfelt appreciation also goes to our outstanding J J student mentors and staff who supported the project, Ethan R, Alekai T-H and Matai B, who were expertly mentored by Mr G Lucas. and lastly Mr J Mishhawi and Aiden M for their support in building the race tracks for our final race day. 

This incredible team made the solar car project a memorable and inspiring success.