Empowering Future Engineers: Korowa Takes STEAM Underwater
Korowa is proud to have represented Australia at the MATE ROV Competition in Alpena, Michigan, USA. Nine Year 10 and 11 students formed team Riptide, competing with peers from 20+ countries in an international robotics challenge. This competition is designed to push the limits of classroom learning, engineering and the future of STEAM.
Korowa's Real-World Engineering at MATE ROV Competition
The MATE ROV Competition (Remotely Operated Vehicle) challenges students to design, build, and operate underwater robots. These robots simulate real-world missions, from marine conservation to environmental recovery.Students are required to apply concepts from physics, coding, electronics, and engineering design to build a functional ROV. The underwater robotic must be capable of completing tasks such as retrieving objects, collecting data, and navigating complex underwater environments. It’s a hands-on way to turn classroom theory into practical, purpose-driven solutions.Korowa’s Riptide team earned their place in the international finals following a successful virtual submission. The students demonstrated not only technical ability but also critical thinking, innovation, and collaboration. Their ROV was designed, constructed, and refined entirely by the students, reflecting a deep understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving. While the team didn’t place in the finals, we are unbelievably proud of their achievement. As the only Australian team, they represented our country on the world stage. They even had to overcame significant challenges, including repairing their ROV after it was damaged during travel. Their perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity are a testament to their dedication, and they continue to push the limits of what is achievable for women in STEAM.
Global Impact of STEAM
What sets the MATE ROV Competition apart is its relevance. It gives students the opportunity to engage with meaningful, future-focused issues like ocean health, climate resilience, and sustainability through real-world engineering applications.For team Riptide, this experience meant mastering more than just coding or circuits. It was about developing transferable skills in leadership, creative thinking, and teamwork. Skills that translate directly to future career pathways across industries such as environmental science, marine technology, engineering, data, and design.These programs are particularly powerful in shaping the aspirations of young women, giving them the confidence and capability to pursue pathways in fields where they continue to be underrepresented.
Girls in STEAM: Korowa leading the Charge
Korowa is one of the few all-girls schools competing at this level in underwater robotics. Our Engineering and Applied Technology Department continues to push boundaries, opening up access to the full spectrum of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics).The success of Riptide isn’t just a reflection of a competition outcome. It’s part of a broader commitment at Korowa to challenge expectations, foster innovation, and reimagine what leadership in STEAM looks like for our students and for the future.
How we got here: Korowa’s STEAM Program
Korowa’s STEAM journey has grown rapidly over the past few years. When the F1 in Schools program was first introduced three years ago, it sparked a passion for engineering and applied technology that has only accelerated.Students were instrumental in launching that program, laying the foundation for what has become a thriving and future-ready department. Under the guidance of Andrew Murray, Coordinator of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Korowa’s students have built both miniature F1 race cars and designed industry-level robotics that have both competed on the world stage.Through these programs, students don’t just learn, they lead. They build resilience, embrace experimentation, and leave Korowa equipped with the skills, experience, and confidence to forge their own path in a rapidly changing world.
