Drone ‘delivery challenge’ showcases Burnside High’s tech innovation

Holey Moley! ... Burnside High students Dean McJannett, Matthew Gilder and Kobi Allen with their drone.

The skies above Burnside State High School were alive with drones on Thursday, October 17 as the school played host to the Holey Moley Drone Competition.

Involving students from Burnside State High School, Rochedale State High School, St Eugene College, Mountain Creek State High School and observed by teachers from Toowoomba State High School, the competition was an example of the innovation and creativity synonymous with Burnside State High.

“The competition brought students together to utilise multirotor drones in package delivery and communication,” said organiser and Burnside SHS Technology teacher, Matt Sampson.

“The competition followed CASA drone safety rules with a focus on design systems, team communication and precision flying skills,” he said.

There were three components to the competition including a Team Interview, a Safety Test Flight and a Competition Flight where teams of three students were given the mission to deliver as many golf balls to the targets as possible in 25 minutes.

“Each team had a number of criteria they had to adhere to and I think the competition demonstrated incredible skill and teamwork amongst the students,” Mr Sampson said.

“It was a very good example of just one of the innovative offerings we have at the school.”