More than 920 students across Western Australia are getting hands-on with science and engineering this year through the Synergy Schools Solar Challenge, an exciting program that’s helping shape the next generation of energy leaders.
Now in its eighth year, the challenge invites Year six and Year eight students from more than 150 metropolitan and regional schools to design, build, and race their own solar-powered cars. The South Metro event, held last week Tuesday, saw local students step up to the challenge with creativity, teamwork, and a whole lot of enthusiasm.
In the Year eight division, Southern River College impressed with a strong performance. Students Jolynn Wong, Zakaria Mohsini, Ryan Tylor, and Feya Diesta raced their car to second place, earning recognition for their skill and innovation. First place went to Providence Christian College, represented by Tinaye Mytsure, Enoch Pragash, Christian Rejo, and Jaivyn Charis.
In the Year six competition, Burrendah Primary School took out the top spot with team members Kaden Hayes, Max Gao, Megan Ling, and Annmary Sebastian. Makybe Rise Primary School followed closely behind in second place, thanks to the efforts of Xavier Goddard, Elaine Elsa Stalin, Alice Boyd, and Oliver Kelly.
Synergy’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Kurt Baker, said the program is all about inspiring future innovators in the energy space.
“The energy industry is going through a time of rapid transformation and today’s kids will be leading the way in developing exciting new energy solutions,” he said. “Learning about energy, battery technology and engineering principles in fun and engaging ways helped inspire my career trajectory and I am excited for it to do the same for the next generation.”
The Synergy Schools Solar Challenge is a joint initiative between Synergy and the Science Teachers’ Association of WA (STAWA), with the 2025 Challenge kicking off in Bunbury on 18 March and continuing through regional and metro areas before the grand final on 8 April.
