Both their junior and senior teams managed to build a paper plane which flew the furthest distance as part of the inaugural Plane Simple paper plane competition.

The original event took place at the Shoalhaven Indoor Sports Complex on December 5.

The competition was a partnership between the Shoalhaven Defence Industry Group and Regional Development Australia South Coast to give students an insight into STEM opportunities in the Shoalhaven.

Year 10 St John's High School student Darcie Edwards said entering the competition was a great experience.

"It's a great way for young people to learn how to design a paper plane for the future or if they want to go into engineering or anything like that," she said.

If you are after some tips to design the best paper plane, Darcie had some to offer up.

"Mainly keeping it light, having nice sleek edges and corners - that way you can go further."

Read more:

St John's teacher Sarah Blades said the program was great for helping her students with team building and jumped at the opportunity for her class to participate.

"I just thought it was a great idea, especially as a community event held by the Nowra Show and combining STEM and careers," she said.

"There was a lot of practice in class, which was so much fun for them. When do you ever get to play with paper planes and it's actual learning?

"On the day, having just having the people from each of the industry groups there really opens their eyes to what is available locally."

Students from Shoalhaven, Bomaderry, Vincentia and St John's High and Nowra Christian School along with Shoalhaven Council Group of Home School Kids all took part in the competition.

There are plans to expand the competition next year to possibly also include years 5-6 primary school students.