At Atwell College our STEM Extension Program is designed to challenge students, build their capacity for self‑management and reflection and develop independent, well‑rounded learners who are equipped for a rapidly changing future. The skills our students gain through STEM provide a strong foundation for success both at school and beyond, and as employer demand for STEM skills continues to grow, we are committed to providing young people with the confidence, creativity and adaptability they will need in the workforce they will enter. Through STEM learning our students strengthen their ability to think critically, solve complex problems and approach new challenges with curiosity and resilience.
STEM at Atwell College brings together the integrated teaching of Science, Technologies, Engineering and Mathematics. Students develop collaboration, creativity, communication and digital literacy through authentic and engaging learning experiences. All Year 7 and 8 students participate in two hours of STEM each week through Digital Technologies and Design and Technologies. These learning areas are intentionally integrated to provide challenging, hands‑on projects that strengthen problem solving, spark interest and build the learning dispositions needed for continued success.
As students progress through the College, they can extend their STEM learning further through a range of specialised Year 9 and 10 opportunities including mechatronics, CO₂ dragsters, hydrocell vehicles and the design and construction of electric vehicle prototypes. These courses provide students with more advanced engineering challenges and allow them to apply their skills to real‑world problems using the full design‑build‑test cycle. Through these pathways students deepen their understanding of materials, mechanics, energy systems and innovation, and increasingly take ownership of their learning through reflection, experimentation and collaborative decision making.
The electric vehicle program continues to be a highlight of STEM at Atwell College, with students competing in the EV Challenge, Australia’s longest‑running electric motorsport competition. Teams design, build and race single‑seat electric vehicles, aiming to complete as many laps as possible within a strict energy limit. In recent years our students have demonstrated impressive determination and creativity, producing vehicles that have performed strongly across multiple divisions. Students have refined aerodynamic design, improved energy efficiency, strengthened steering systems and developed strategic pit‑stop routines, all while collaborating to solve complex engineering challenges. Their results reflect the depth of our STEM program and the pride our students take in learning that is authentic, future‑focused and hands‑on.
Our commitment to advanced STEM learning also extends to hydrogen technology through the Hydrogen Grand Prix competition. In 2025 our Year 10 Engineering students once again embraced the challenge of designing and racing hydrogen fuel‑cell powered vehicles at the Western Australian State Final. Beginning with basic RC kits and progressing to advanced chassis designs, students engineered lightweight, stable vehicles with carefully optimised weight distribution and refined pit‑stop procedures. Although mechanical issues kept the team from the top positions, Atwell College was recognised for achieving the fastest pit stop of the competition, highlighting the preparation, teamwork and problem‑solving that underpin effective STEM learning. The remainder of the year has been dedicated to research and development, with refinements already underway to support a stronger return in 2026. The foundations laid by this cohort will provide valuable knowledge and momentum for the next generation of STEM leaders at Atwell College.
These programs are supported by state‑of‑the‑art facilities across the College. Students work in purpose‑designed spaces including the STEM Lab, Design Lab, Mechatronics Workshop and Engineering Lab. They have access to industrial 3D printers, laser cutters, interactive digital technologies and custom‑designed robotics and vehicle systems, providing them with high‑quality, authentic experiences that mirror the tools and environments of modern industry. Our aim is to inspire students, extend their learning and provide pathways that nurture aspiration, creativity and confidence. Through these opportunities Atwell College ensures every student is equipped to embrace the future with optimism, resilience and the skills needed to thrive in a world defined by innovation.
This course has a compulsory charge associated with the program. Please refer to the Charges & Voluntary Contributions for your students year group.
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