Hands-on robotics brings engineering to life for Plumpton students
The Gateway2STEM8 program offered practical challenges and fostered connections with university students.
Published on the 03 November 2026
Year 8 students at Plumpton High School explored coding, robotics, sensors and design through Gateway2STEM8, a six-session engagement program designed to let the students explore engineering, meet university students and ask questions about future study pathways.
Gateway2STEM8 was delivered by the UNSW Faculty of Engineering in partnership with the central UNSW Student Equity team and the CREATE student society—a student-led maker, engineering and innovation club at UNSW Sydney.
Over four weeks, the students' scheduled robotics classes comprised of lessons and conversations led by UNSW. They worked through robotics and design challenges, including hands-on model making, with opportunities to experiment, share ideas and apply engineering concepts. The multi-session format gave students repeated opportunities to take part in these activities in the familiar setting of their own classroom and build on what they had learned from one workshop to the next.
The program also connected students with university student ambassadors, who shared their experiences of studying engineering and helped students explore possible university pathways.
Senior Program Officer (Indigenous Engagement) Tyson Namok praised the high school students’ enthusiasm for STEM and the UNSW students’ role in inspiring the next generation of engineers.
“It was inspiring to see the high school students so engaged and enthusiastic about STEM. I was proud to see current UNSW students bringing their knowledge and energy into the classroom each week, they’re helping to spark the next generation in engineering!”
The school’s teacher also commended the program, noting that students enjoyed the design and programming challenges and valued working as a STEM team. The teacher described the experience as excellent and said they would welcome the program back.
Through educational outreach and engagement programs such as Gateway2STEM8, the UNSW Faculty of Engineering builds lasting relationships with school communities that help to ensure equitable access to engineering at UNSW Sydney.