Energy Breakthrough

What is Energy Breakthrough?

For many years, several of our students have been working early every day constructing a vehicle for the Energy Break-through competition. For those of you who are unaware of what this program is, Energy Break-through is a competition in which students design, build and race a vehicle entirely from scratch. Ballarat High School competes in the human powered division, which involves building a vehicle that is propelled purely through the efforts of human pedalling.

But these are more than mere bicycles; they are the product of months of work. The students pour sweat and labour into their creations during every spare lunch-break and after-school session.

The vehicles are put to the test at a race every year. The vehicles compete over a continuous period of 24 hours, involving nearly 900 km of distance. Over 30,000 people converge on Maryborough every year, competing for the honour and glory of victory. Teams from all over our vast continent compete, and there are even rumours of international entries.

What is the Rat Pack?

Every year, Ballarat High School enters a dedicated team in the Energy Break-through competition. This devoted and enthusiastic crowd goes by the name of the “Rat Pack”. Members of the team come from every year level of Ballarat High School, and train for months in preparation for the event. To find out how you can get involved, refer to the “How can I get involved” section below.

Achievements

Design Innovation Award (2006) for a revolutionary pedalling design innovation.

History

In 1999, Mr Glenn Orr arranged for the first ever BHS team to compete at the Maryborough event. He oversaw the team that constructed and raced BHS’ first Energy-Breakthrough bike. The vehicle was simple in construction and design – complete with a green-speed frame with a lightweight faring on the front. Ballarat High School has been competing ever since, and in 2006, we ran two bikes – one without fibreglass body and the other with a new, revolutionary pedal system. The new revolutionary innovation in pedalling technology won the team a Design Innovation Award.

Without these sponsors, we could not participate in Energy Breakthrough.

Links

Energy Breakthrough
World Solar Challenge

How Can I Get Involved?

Students

If you are a student and you wish to be part of this exciting initiative, please contact Mr Raneberg in the Technology Building or use the Contact form below.