Our Rehoboth team had the opportunity to participate in H2GPWA, and exciting STEM program where students build and optimise a hydrogen-powered RC race car.
A Visionary Program
A group of students from Rehoboth had the opportunity to participate in an innovative STEM initiative, H2GPWA, that involves building and optimising a hydrogen-powered RC race car. This car is then put to the test in a four-hour endurance race against other schools.
A Journey of Growth and Transformation
Over the past five months, our student team has embarked on a remarkable journey of learning and personal growth. Meeting every Tuesday afternoon, they’ve tackled a wide range of tasks – from self-teaching the mechanics of the car, coding data-gathering programs, and operating fuel cells (a concept they just learned in Chemistry), to designing the 3D printing car parts and modifying electronic components.
Beyond technical skills, students have developed essential soft skills for the future workforce: project management, workflow organisation, initiative-taking, task delegation, global collaboration, resource sourcing, and system development. Most notably, they’ve honed their teamwork skills. Comprising students from three senior year groups, the team learned to navigate different scheduled, communicate effectively, and support one another – playing to each member’s strengths and accommodating their weaknesses.
What emerged was a dynamic, mature team that communicates professionally and works cooperatively toward a shared goal. Their fellowship deepened through meaningful conversations and shared laughter, sometimes a bit too much, from the supervising teacher’s perspective!
Race Day: Challenges and Commitment
Race day began before dawn, with the team arriving at 6:30am to make final adjustments. Upon entering the university gym, the atmosphere was electric – teams were busy setting up, and excitement mixed with nerves. At our pit stop, team captain, Samuel Richards gathered everyone to pray, committing the day to the Lord.
Despite encountering issues, power cuts, poor signal transmission, and a hydrogen leak, the team remained calm and focused. Through testing, discussion, and problem-solving, they found solutions and got the car to the starting line just in time.
STEM Exploration for Year 9 Students
While the senior team prepared for the race, our Year 9 Digital Technology students enjoyed a full day of energy-themed STEM activities. They explored fuel cells, controlled robotic dogs, inspected hydrogen-powered cars, toured Murdoch University’s engineering facilities, engaged with energy professionals, and interacted with virtual power plants using VR headsets. They also competed in quizzes, played arcade games, and enjoyed popcorn and goodie bags filled with snacks and gifts. These students joined the race’s opening and closing moments, cheering on our team and soaking in the adrenaline-filled atmosphere.
The Race: Perseverance and Teamwork
As the race began, the crowd counted down and the flag waved. Chaos erupted as cars scrambled for position, but our driver, Oliver Billet, skilfully avoided the pile-up and maintained a top five position. Despite inevitable crashes and breakdowns, the pit crew worked tirelessly to revive the car. When exhaustion hit Oliver, sub-driver, Darcy Moloney stepped in with courage and composure, keeping the team in the race.
Thanks for outstanding teamwork, we held steady in the 4th-6th positions. Unfortunately, our energy ran out in the final 40 minutes. Still, the team never gave up, working until the last second. We finished in 6th place – an incredible achievement for a first-time participant.
Celebrating Achievements
At the awards ceremony, Year 9 students, David Cook and Gabriel won the grand prize for scoring highest in the Energy Quiz. Our racing team, “5 Loaves + 2 Fishes,” received two prestigious awards:
- Design Award: For the best car modification and design. Despite presenting last and under pressure, the team impressed judges with their expertise and depth of knowledge.
- Team Spirit Award: Voted by all competing teams, this award recognised our students’ generosity, sportsmanship, and support for others throughout the race.
The Greatest Trophy
Beyond awards and rankings, our students carried a more glorious trophy – the testimony of Jesus Christ. A teacher from a Muslim school shared how touched she was by our students’ joyful willingness to help. One student even shared the gospel with peers from another school. What remarkable witness!
The transformation our team experienced is a far greater prize than any physical award. Their conduct among competitors reflects eternal values that far outweigh worldly recognition.
Let us be reminded of the Apostle Paul’s words:
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” – 1 Corinthians 9:24-25
“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:14
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the face. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” – 2 Timothy 4:7-8
