Subs in Schools
EXPLORING NEW DEPTHS IN STEM
Explore the complex challenges of maritime engineering and hydrodynamics through coding, electronics, and advanced design as students develop and build operational submarines and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs).
SUBS in Schools Technology Challenge™ was developed through a collaboration between the Re-Engineering Australia Foundation (REA), the Australian Department of Defence, and key industry stakeholders, including the ASC Pty Ltd and Saab Australia.
The program was conceived in response to the Australian Government’s Future Submarine Program and represents the world’s first in-class submarine design and engineering competition.
Building on the proven educational framework of REA’s STEM Racing programs, SUBS in Schools brings industry-standard technologies into the classroom, enabling students to engage in authentic, project-based learning. Participants develop a broad range of technical and professional capabilities, including engineering design, manufacturing, coding, electronics, systems integration, project management, teamwork, collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills — all highly valued by modern industry.
Students can choose to design and construct either:
- A fully operational Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicle (ROV);
- A functioning submarine prototype; or
- A three-dimensional virtual scale model of futuristic submarine living quarters.
The program introduces students to the complexities of underwater engineering while fostering innovation, creativity, and practical problem-solving skills aligned with emerging sovereign capability industries.
At its core, SUBS in Schools is designed to equip young Australians with the knowledge, skills, and industry awareness required to participate in the advanced manufacturing, defence, maritime, and technology sectors being developed through Australia’s submarine and naval shipbuilding initiatives.
Due to the cessation of government funding support, SUBS in Schools is currently operating with limited participation and program delivery capacity. Organisations, industry partners, schools, and government stakeholders interested in supporting or participating in the program are encouraged to contact REA to discuss opportunities for involvement and collaboration.
Subs in Schools introductory overview
Interested in running SUBS in Schools in your School? Here is an overview document to help explain what it’s all about and how you can start running it in your school.
Getting Started Guide
This guide provides the detail of how to get the project up and running in your school.
Activity based on Action Learning
(learning by doing)
- Designed to attract both boys and girls;
- A real project students can relate to and engage with;
- A project containing “cool” elements that attract student interest;
- Promotes student involvement with industry role models;
- Complex and cross curricular – linking STEM components together;
- Understood and implemented by teachers;
- Bring career relevance to STEM learning activities;
- Excite and encourage students to consider a careers pathway related to STEM;
- An alternative learning methodology for skills development in schools;
- Focus on building employability skills;
- Promote innovation and the development of entrepreneurship in young Australians;
- Develop skills directly transferable to industry roles;
- Increase the number of students taking up STEM based careers in support of satisfying the skills requirement of large-scale Engineering programs;
- Facilitate technology transfer from industry to schools and the community;
- Provide a catalyst for local industry to engage with the schools encouraging interaction and collaboration between schools, industry and the community;
- Encourage collaboration between schools in the city and country areas;
- Use the power of Role Models to guide and support our youth in the process of career development;
- Ensure that Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics becomes a part of the everyday language of students.
Do you have what it takes?
Click the button below to learn more and find out how you can get involved.
