Xavier College Year 10 student Archer York has been recognised for his creativity, technical skill and design thinking after winning a 3D printer for the College through Code Club Australia’s Term 1 3D Printing Competition.
Archer’s winning entry, a 3D Moonhack trophy, was selected by judges as one of two winning designs in the national competition. His design will now go to a public vote, with the chance to be selected as the official trophy for Moonhack 2026.
The competition challenged students to create a 3D printable trophy inspired by Moonhack, a global coding event that encourages young people to use digital technologies to solve problems, explore ideas and create meaningful projects.
Archer’s design impressed judges for both its creativity and technical execution. Featuring a moon, rocket and space for text, the trophy was praised for its strong connection to the purpose of Moonhack. Judges noted that the launching rocket added meaning to the design, symbolising the launch of digital projects and solutions.
The judging panel also commended the smooth and appealing finish of the design, its stability as a trophy, and the complexity involved in bringing multiple shapes together to create the final piece.
“The complexity of adding shapes together to create the overall design shows a high level of skill,” the judges said. “Amazing work.”
As part of the prize, Archer will receive an individual prize pack, while Xavier College’s Code: X club will receive a Bambu P1S 3D printer. The new printer will provide students with further opportunities to bring their digital designs to life and continue developing practical skills in modelling, prototyping and technology.
Archer’s achievement is a wonderful reflection of the growing culture of innovation being fostered through Xavier College’s Code: X program.
Code: X is the College’s coding and technology club and an official member of Code Club Australia. Held on Thursdays at lunchtime in KB108, the program gives students the opportunity to take a “choose your own adventure” approach to technology. Students can explore coding, 3D modelling, robotics, digital design and game development, while also being encouraged to participate in local, state, national and international competitions.
The program is designed to support students at different stages of their technology journey, whether they are beginning to learn the foundations of coding or extending themselves through more complex creative and technical projects.
Alongside Code: X, Xavier College students can also participate in Robot: X, the College’s robotics club, which runs before school on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in KB108. Through Robot: X, students design and build VEX robots and are currently preparing competition robots for RoboCup’s Victorian State Event.
Students interested in game development can also take part in Unity Game Design, held on Thursday lunchtimes. This program gives students the opportunity to build games in Unity, develop portfolio pieces and prepare entries for The Australian STEM Video Game Challenge.
Together, these programs are creating a vibrant technology pathway outside the classroom, giving students hands-on opportunities to experiment, build, problem-solve and collaborate.
Later this year, Xavier College will also host a Moonhack competition at the school, an all-day technologies challenge that will bring students together to explore coding, creativity and digital problem-solving.
Archer’s success highlights the strength of student talent within the Code: X program and the value of giving young people the tools, time and encouragement to explore emerging technologies.
