During the April school holidays, five learners from Parklands College took their talents beyond the classroom and into orbit – figuratively – as they competed in Africa’s first-ever Space Design Competition at the University of Cape Town.
Representing the school as Team Ares Industrial, Isabella Ankiah, Caitlin Hunt, Aden van Rhys, Levi Scott-Hayward and Nicole Kemp spent two demanding days collaborating with peers from other schools. Together, they tackled the challenge of designing futuristic space settlements, putting their innovation, teamwork and problem-solving skills to the test under pressure.
Leadership and innovation recognised
Their efforts paid off with notable individual achievements. Isabella was appointed president of her cross-school team, Kepler Automation, demonstrating exceptional leadership. Meanwhile, Caitlin earned the prestigious Viadexone Best Technology Award in recognition of her outstanding technological thinking.
The competition marked a significant milestone, but the journey does not end there. Of 109 students competing in the ZASDC National Finals only eight were selected to represent South Africa internationally, and Isabella is among them.
She will travel to the International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida from 29 July to 3 August this year. There she will collaborate with students from across the globe, forming international teams to respond to a live engineering brief and present a comprehensive space settlement design to NASA engineers and aerospace industry professionals.
Reserve spot reflects excellence
Adding to the school’s pride, Aden has been named a reserve for Team South Africa, one of only four selected. His inclusion highlights the strong impression he made during the national competition, and he stands ready to step in should any of the selected team members be unable to attend.
Parklands College emphasises real-world learning through its STAR programme, encouraging learners to discover their purpose by solving meaningful challenges linked to both earth and space. The success of Team Ares Industrial reflects this ethos in action.
The school expressed immense pride in Isabella, Aden and the entire team as well as gratitude to coaches Carike Cass and Hanco Haydenrych for their dedication and support during the competition.
READ ALSO: Parklands College robotic learners makes the SA team
