Technology News

Highlights from the Canberra Robotics Competition

Earlier this term, a group of our students represented Glen Eira College at the Canberra Robotics Competition. Here’s what we received from Austin Voges:

My Experience at the 2025 Robocup National Competition in Canberra

On Friday morning, I set off for the Robocup National Competition in Canberra with my school’s robotics team. It was my first trip to Canberra, and I felt both excited and proud to be representing my school at a national level. The anticipation built as we boarded our flight, discussing our trip. When we landed, we collected our luggage from the baggage area and headed toward our bus. The 25-minute journey to our hotel was a scenic one; we passed through the heart of Canberra and even caught sight of Parliament House, which made the experience feel even more special.

We arrived at The Mantra Hotel and checked into our rooms, where we quickly unpacked and got settled. After a busy morning of travel, we walked to P&J Kebabs for lunch. Once we returned to the hotel, we gathered our equipment and took the light rail to Shirley Smith High School, the venue for the competition. Seeing the competition space for the first time was inspiring. There were tables filled with robot kits, students making last-minute adjustments, and the sound of whirring motors and coding chatter everywhere. We had a chance to do a short practice run with our robots, which helped us get used to the layout and test how they performed on the actual surface.

Afterwards, we returned to the hotel for dinner, Domino’s pizza, which was a relaxing way to end the day. We tried to have an early night to ensure we were rested and ready for the big day ahead.

Saturday began early, with our team arriving at the venue full of energy and determination. The atmosphere was incredible, over 800 competitors and 200 teams from across Australia had gathered, creating an exciting and inspiring environment. It was also great to see Mr Ebert at the event, offering encouragement and support. Before the official start, we had about 30 minutes to test our robots one final time. Everyone was focused, making quick tweaks and adjustments in the hope that everything would run smoothly once the competition began.

The opening ceremony set the tone for the day, with all teams proudly representing their schools. When the competition officially started, the room buzzed with excitement as robots rolled into action. Our team gave our best effort throughout the rounds, staying positive and working together to solve any issues that came up. I was especially thrilled when my robot, The Hand, performed well enough to qualify for the finals. It was a proud and rewarding moment, knowing the time and effort spent in preparation had paid off.

By the end of the event, I felt a deep sense of accomplishment, not just for my personal success, but for being part of such an inspiring and collaborative experience. I am incredibly grateful to my teachers and mentors for their guidance and support throughout this journey. Competing in Robocup was not only an opportunity to showcase our skills but also a chance to learn, grow, and make lasting memories with my teammates.

Call for Student Volunteers – Robotics Club (Week 8 & 9)

Our Robotics Club will be packing up and organising devices in preparation for next year’s projects. We are looking for student volunteers to assist after school on Wednesdays in Week 8 and Week 9.

Classroom Snapshots

A big thank you to Mr Osi, who captured some fantastic photos from his recent Year 7 Robotics class.

Exam Preparation Support

As we approach the end-of-year exams, it’s natural to feel both excited and a little nervous. Here are some key tips to help you feel confident and prepared:

Revise Smart, Not Hard: Focus on the main topics and skills covered this semester.
Look after your mind and body
Use the practice exam effectively

Please remember, exams do not define who you are, it is just an opportunity to show your growth. Stay calm and organised, we’re proud of your hard work and can’t wait to see you finish the year strong!

Qi Sun

Technology Learning Area Leader