Four Turua School students were “completely ecstatic” after winning their local EPro8 Challenge in their category.
The annual interschool challenge, which aims to enhance students’ knowledge of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), took place over two days at Pārāwai School in Thames. Students from 11 schools around the region competed, with year seven and eight students competing on May 25 and year five and six students on May 26.
Turua School’s “Breaking Thunder” team consisting of Aiya Toko-Watene, Pippa Taipari, Nathan Khudolyey and Jorja Klaricich won the year 5 and 6 competition.
Turua School teacher Kate Butterfield told The Profile the school was “so proud” of their tamariki.
“They came back straight afterwards and were completely ecstatic, waving their trophy in the air and [there was] a good deal of yelling about what they did… and we were so proud of them,” she said.
“All of our kids have shown a real interest in it, a desire to participate, an interest to take it further and learn more in [STEM] areas.”
Kate said Turua School participated in EPro8 to give their students opportunities to practice their teamwork, communication and problem solving.
“All of these things we see as part of 21st century learning, skills they’ll need in their lives going forward,” she said.
“Breaking Thunder were listening to each other, supporting each other, they were trying different ideas… and the main thing is that persistence, and I think they really showed that.”
Kate said Turua School wished Breaking Thunder all the best in the EPro8 grand final at St Paul’s Collegiate School in Hamilton on June 21.
