STUDENTS from Kalamunda Senior High School’s (KSHS) STEM club placed second overall, just behind Curtin University’s team at the 2025 Western Australian Robotics Playoffs (WARP).

Competing as Team 9191 My Chemical Robots, the group also earned the creativity award for design and programming solutions, using tools available in the hills to bring their robot to life.

The team was made up of students from Years 7 to 12: Jacob Clephas, Nicola Barr, Cooper Myers, Kyle Wright, Kaylan Reynolds, Patrick Smith, and Jasmine Barton.

They were supported by KSHS alumni and former competitors Toby Trent, Marc Rouillard, and Sean Paxman who are Curtin students now guiding the next generation as mentors.

Throughout the school year, the team met three times a week to design, build and code their robot to meet the challenges of this year’s reefscape theme.

Inspired by ocean ecosystems, the simulation game required teams to manipulate coral onto a reef and remove algae while navigating complex strategic play.

WARP is the state’s premier For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) robotics offseason event, bringing together 30 teams from schools and institutions across the state.

It mirrors the global FIRST robotics competition, offering students hands-on experience in engineering, coding, and collaboration.

KSHS STEM club is now in its sixth year after beginning as a small initiative to support the school’s involvement in a STEM event run by the Bibbulmun Network of Schools.

KSHS teacher and STEM club coordinator Ian McMullen witnessed the initiative’s inception and said what started as a few students exploring robotics, 3D printing and other activities during lunchtime slowly turned into a dedicated club.

“Our involvement in the annual WARP competition over the past three years has been a major catalyst for growth,” he said.

“The students themselves lead this effort, ensuring continuity by mentoring younger members and passing on skills.

“I open the space and support where I can, but it’s the students who drive the club forward.

“A key goal of the club is to help students develop practical skills in coding, construction, metalwork, and engineering, while also encouraging pathways into STEM careers.”

Mr McMullen said as a new contender, KSHS’ performance was a testament to what dedicated hills students could achieve even against veteran competitors.

“As a relatively new team to WARP, we’re definitely punching above our weight,” he said.

“We don’t have the funding or resources that many private schools or university-backed teams enjoy, but what we do have is a passionate and committed group of students.

“That seems to be enough to keep us competitive with the best.”

The team have been invited to the National Championships on the east coast in 2026 and will consider raising $10,000 to register after recovering from the WARP weekend.

With students graduating each year, KSHS’ STEM department’s focus is now on building engagement in the younger years to ensure continuity.

The school has registered a team in this year’s FIRST Lego League aimed at sparking early interest in robotics and STEM for lower years.