NSW Robotics on the international stage
Meet Ryland O’Connell. STEM Project Officer at Hastings Secondary College, who has been instrumental in enhancing STEM learning by developing and delivering workshops for both students and educators, coaching national award-winning FIRST LEGO League teams, and leading initiatives such as the 'Girls in STEM' program and an Indigenous robotics club.
Showcasing NSW robotics on the world stage
Hastings Secondary College (HSC) is proving that big dreams can thrive in small communities. What began in 2017 as a bold step into the world of robotics has grown into a transformative STEM journey, one that's changing lives, opening doors, and putting NSW students on the global stage.
Hastings Secondary College (HSC) began its involvement in robotics in 2017 through participation in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC). The College established a team to provide students with hands-on STEM learning experiences, enabling them to design, build, and program robots for regional and international competitions. This initiative was driven by a commitment to increase student engagement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, particularly among students from rural and disadvantaged backgrounds.
The robotics club at Hastings isn’t just about building machines, it’s about building futures. Students are learning to code, design, and engineer, but they’re also developing critical life skills: teamwork, leadership, resilience, and creative problem-solving. For many, it’s a turning point. Students who once never imagined a future in STEM are now applying for university courses, apprenticeships, and industry placements.
One of the most powerful lessons from their journey is that you don’t need to be a robotics expert to get started. Passionate teachers at the school began by learning alongside their students. With access to online resources and local workshops, the school has built their confidence and their capacity to lead.
The results speak for themselves. The schools' robotics teams have competed at both national and international levels, proudly representing their school and community. The “Baked Pickles” LEGO League team, for example, made headlines in 2024 and 2025 with their national championship win and extraordinary achievement representing Australia at the 2025 FIRST LEGO League World Championships in Houston, Texas.
With support from the STEM Industry School Partnerships (SISP) program, dedicated teachers, and local industry partners, the school has built a thriving robotics program that continues to grow even further.
Hastings Secondary College offers the following advice to schools looking to start their own robotics journey:
- Start now, start small: you don’t need a big budget or advanced skills to begin.
- Let students lead: empower them to take ownership and innovate.
- Connect with your community: industry partners and other schools can offer support and inspiration.
- Celebrate every win: from a working robot to an international competition, every milestone matters.
- You’re not alone: join the growing network of educators using robotics to inspire the next generation.