Toowoomba school takes home state title in science competition

Local high school Concordia Lutheran College secured their place in the National games after winning the state title at the Science and Engineering Super Challenge last Friday (August 29) in Brisbane.

This follows Concordia's success earlier this year when they won a day challenge at the Regional Science and Engineering Challenge hosted by USQ in May.

Team Concordia consisted of 28 students from year's 8 to 10. Teacher in Charge, Mrs Ku Lacey, said the students worked hard to secure Queensland's top spot.

'It was so good to see teams of multiple year levels working together cooperatively. Consistency was our word for the day as well, as we performed incredibly well in each of the activities, which enabled us to take out the honours of the number one team in Queensland,' Mrs Lacey said.

'I attribute this to the positive attitude of our fantastic students who on our way to the first challenge at USQ had informed me that they would be the best team and that they would be going all the way to the Nationals.' 

Approximately 930 students attended this year's Regional Challenge at USQ. The Glennie School, who won a day challenge at the event in May, also faired well in last weeks super challenge taking home third place.

Mrs Lacey said the University's support was vital in helping Concordia attend the challenge.

'USQ provided financial support to the schools attending the Super Challenge which helped us attend the competition.

'We are forging a strong relationship with USQ - we have students involved in the head start program and accelerated biomedical science. It is wonderful to have USQ's support.'

Science and Engineering Super Challenge 2008 regional co-ordinator Mary McGilvray congratulated both schools on their achievements.

'To have two Toowoomba schools finish first and third in the state titles is a great result and also a positive reflection on the standard of our young science students here on the Darling Downs,' Mrs McGilvray said.

'USQ's support would not have been achievable without the generous support from the sponsors of the Regional Challenge.'

The students will now prepare to represent Queensland at the National Super Challenge on the Gold Coast during October along with 16 schools from around the nation.

Media Contact: USQ Media, Connie-Louise Rego +61 7 4631 2977