Avenel Primary School student Sophie practises her human-powered racing skills ahead of the Energy Breakthrough program.
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Avenel Primary School students are kicking their preparation for an upcoming event into gear as they ready to race their own “human powered vehicle”.
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For years, Year 5 and 6 students from the local school have been participating in Energy Breakthrough – a statewide program where students design, build and race a vehicle, with the local school choosing to create bikes.
At the end of November, two teams from the cohort will join 250 other teams from across the state in Maryborough, Victoria.
During the event, their efforts will be assessed across areas such as design and construction, a team presentation and the main event: a challenging 14-hour endurance race held over two days.
Year 5 and 6 teacher Hayley Tobin said the program was a major event on the school’s calendar.
“Since joining Avenel Primary School in 2018, I have seen first hand how valued and anticipated the program is within our school community,” she said.
While it’s a thrilling way to get out of the classroom, Ms Tobin said the program was “much more than just a race”.
Combining STEM learning, teamwork, innovation and sustainability, Energy Breakthrough enables students to utilise their learnings in a hands-on environment.
“(The program) builds confidence, resilience, teamwork and problem-solving skills in a real-world and highly engaging environment,” Ms Tobin said.
“Students are challenged both physically and mentally as they work together towards a shared goal, developing perseverance, responsibility and pride in their achievements along the way.”
In the lead-up to registrations, the school called for expressions of interest from Year 5 and 6 students.
Students Faith and Zach work together to prepare for the Marybourough event.
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“Rather than a competitive selection process, the focus was on students making a commitment to the program,” Ms Tobin said.
Two teams were created from this process: Oak Tree Racing 1 and Oak Tree Racing 2.
Both are deep into preparation, having completed bike education last term in the lead-up to their “bike hike” on Friday, May 22.
They will also undergo human-powered vehicle training later this term, and participate in a full-day practice session at the Puckapunyal Military Area racetrack in October.
Principal Christine Hyde said, since joining the school in the second term of last year, the value of the program had quickly become evident.
“What stood out immediately was the excitement and pride students have for the program — not just during the event itself, but in the months leading up to it and long after it finishes,” she said.
“One of the things I value most about Energy Breakthrough is the way it brings together our entire school and community. It creates a strong sense of connection, pride and belonging, while also promoting sustainability, innovation and authentic real-world learning opportunities for students.
“As principal, I am passionate about continuing to see this program grow at Avenel Primary School so that more students have the opportunity to be involved and experience the many benefits it provides.”
Months out from Energy Breakthrough’s commencement, the school is now inviting locals to support the students to get to Maryborough.
“Community support is what makes opportunities like this possible for our students, with the program heavily reliant on local generosity and partnerships,” Ms Tobin said.
“Support can include donations of bike equipment and materials, contributions towards team uniforms and transport costs, or supplying food and essentials for students during the four-day event. Businesses can also assist through sponsorships and fundraising support.
“Every contribution, big or small, helps provide students with access to an incredible learning experience that builds teamwork, resilience, sustainability and hands-on STEM skills.”
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