Our programs are meticulously structured and skills-focused, yet we go beyond the basics by offering students opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world and competitive settings. These environments challenge them to think creatively, solve problems independently, and excel without relying on predefined templates. By applying and consolidating their learning in this way, students gain a deeper, more practical understanding—an invaluable step in their educational journey.
Our students have a long history of participating in local and global competitions including FIRST programs (FTC, FLL Challenge, FLL Discover) run by Macquarie University and RoboCup programs run by University of NSW (UNSW).
For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) is an international youth organization that operates the FIRST Robotics Competition, FIRST Lego League Challenge, FIRST Lego League Explore, FIRST Lego League Discover, and FIRST Tech Challenge competitions.
FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC)
FTC (Ages 12–18): Teams design and build metal robots using industry-standard motors and components, integrating advanced programming, computer vision, and sensors. This competition fosters skills in engineering, coding, and innovation, preparing students for real-world STEM challenges.
Team History
The Australian Academy of Robotics and STEM (AARAS) Education has proudly participated in the FIRST Tech Challenge for several seasons, showcasing creativity, collaboration, and perseverance. Committed to the spirit of “learning through discovery,” our teams focus on the journey, embracing challenges and celebrating growth.
This section highlights our experiences, achievements, and the valuable lessons we’ve learned, reflecting our dedication to inspiring a love for STEM and robotics within our community.
Our students participating in 2024 FTC regionals.
FTC SEASONS
2024/2025 – INTO THE DEEP
| Event | Year | Location | Progression / Award |
| Sydney Regional | 2024 | Pymble Ladies College, NSW | 1st Place Motivate Award Qualified for Nationals |
| National Championship | 2024 | Macquarie University | – |
2023/2024 – CENTERSTAGE
| Event | Year | Location | Progression / Award |
| Sydney Regional | 2023 | Pymble Ladies College, NSW | Qualified for Nationals |
| National Championship | 2023 | Macquarie University | – |
2022/2023 – POWERPLAY
| Event | Year | Location | Progression / Award |
| Sydney Regional | 2022 | Pymble Ladies College, NSW | – |
2021/2022 – FREIGHT FRENZY
| Event | Year | Location | Progression / Award |
| Sydney Regional | 2021 | Online | All teams progressed to National Championships |
| National Championship | 2021 | Online | Judges Choice Award |
FIRST LEGO® League (FLL) Challenge
FLL Challenge (Ages 9–16): Students design, build, and program LEGO® EV3 or SPIKE Prime robots to solve themed challenges, fostering innovation, coding, and engineering skills.
Team History
The Australian Academy of Robotics and STEM (AARAS) Education has actively participated in the FLL Challenge, where students design, build, and program robots to address real-world challenges. Guided by FIRST’s Core Values, our teams focus on innovation, collaboration, and learning, making each season a memorable experience.
From exploring space to tackling urban planning and sustainability, AARAS teams have consistently approached each challenge with creativity and determination. These projects have provided valuable opportunities for students to develop critical thinking, teamwork, and technical skills while celebrating the joy of discovery and achievement.
Through FLL, AARAS continues to inspire students to explore STEM and embrace challenges that prepare them for a bright future.
Our students at FLL National Championships at Macquarie University.
Our students competing at FLL Bossley Park Regionals & receiving Award.
FLL CHALLENGE SEASONS
2019/2020 – CITY SHAPER
| Event | Year | Location | Progression / Award |
| Bossley Park Regional | 2019 | Bossley Park | Judges Award Progressed to National Championships |
| National Championship | 2019 | Macquarie University | – |
2020/2021 – RePLAY
| Event | Year | Location | Progression/Award |
| Bossley Park Regional | 2020 | Bossley Park |
2021/2022 – CARGO CONNECT
| Event | Year | Location | Progression/Award |
| Bossley Park Regional | 2021 | Bossley Park | Breakthrough Award |
2022/2023 – SUPERPOWERED
| Event | Year | Location | Progression/Award |
| Bossley Park Regional | 2022 | Bossley Park | Breakthrough Award |
2023/2024 – MASTERPIECE
| Event | Year | Location | Progression/Award |
| North Sydney Regional | 2023 | Wenona School, North Sydney | – |
2024/2025 – SUBMERGED
| Event | Year | Location | Progression/Award |
FIRST LEGO® League (FLL) Discover
FLL Discover (Ages 4–8): Young learners explore foundational STEM concepts through hands-on play, using LEGO WeDo 2.0 robots to develop teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity.
Team History
The Australian Academy of Robotics and STEM (AARAS) Education has actively participated in the FLL Discover program since 2016. Focusing on creativity, curiosity, and teamwork, our young learners have developed essential STEM and collaborative skills through fun and engaging projects. The program emphasises exploration and hands-on learning, inspiring students to innovate and problem-solve from an early age.
Over the years, our teams have created exciting projects centred around themes like sustainability, space exploration, and urban development. These experiences have been foundational for our students, building a lifelong passion for STEM and setting the stage for their future achievements.
FLL DISCOVER SEASONS
Our students showcasing their Boomtown Builds at Macquarie University Expo
Our students showcasing their Mission Moon projects at Macquarie University Expo + Research visit to the Powerhouse Museum
FLL Discover Seasons
2016/2017 – CREATURE CRAZE
| Event | Year | Location | Awards |
| Showcase | 2016 | Girraween Public School | |
| National Showcase | 2016 | Macquarie University | Public Speaking Award Bee-search (research) Award Sustainability Award Hive Award Live Well Award Bee Peaceful Award |
2017/2018 – AQUA ADVENTURE
| Event | Year | Location |
| Showcase | 2017 | Parramatta East Public School |
2018/2019 – MISSION MOON
| Event | Year | Location |
| Showcase | 2018 | Various Schools |
2019/2020 – BOOMTOWN BUILD
| Event | Year | Location |
| Showcase | 2019 | Toongabbie Public School |
| International Showcase | 2019 | Macquarie University |
RoboCup Junior
Our students have also participated in another global competition RoboCup Junior run by UNSW in Australia.